Automan 177

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now, the region’s Best Automotive resource June 2016 Issue no 177

Exquisite manners, cutting-edge tech and mountains of torque mark the Bentayga

Concepts BMW Hommage Vanquish Zagato Previews MINI Seven Ferrari 458MM

NEW WHEELS

6-8 2016 NISSAN ALTIMA COMES THE REGION AND WE GET AN EARLY PREVIEW DRIVE OF THE CAR

OMAN AND REGIONAL NEWS

10-14 BENTLEY LAUNCHES THE BENTAYGA IN OMAN. 2016 HYUNDAI ELANTRA LAUNCHES IN A MALL, SPECIAL PRICE ON E-CLASS, LUKOIL COMES TO THE SULTANATE, MERCEDES-BENZ LAUNCHES MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS, VW GOLF GTI CLUBSPORT IN OMAN, RAMADAN SPECIAL SCHEMES ANNOUNCED BY BRANDS

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16 NISSAN ANNOUNCES ITS ANNUAL RESULTS AND 2016 GOALS 18 HYUNDAI GETS NEW BOSS, BENTAYGA FIRST EDITION DELIVERIES BEGIN

BRANDWATCH

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20-24 LIFELINE FOR MITSUBISHI, HYUNDAI APPOINTS NEW GENESIS DESIGNER, MARCHIONNE HEADS FERRARI, FERRARI V8 WINS ENGINE OF THE YEAR, JAGUAR TO COMPETE WITH PORSCHE, EMISSIONS SCAM EXPANDS, VOLVO FUTURE MODELS, INFINITI HINTS AT GT MODEL

COVER STORY

26-35 BENTLEY BENTAYGA REACHES OMAN AND WE GET AN EARLY TEST DRIVE OF THE NEW LUXURY SUV

SPECIAL STORY

36-43 FORD SHOW OFF THEIR SUV AND TRUCK RANGE AT JORDAN ON ARAB REVOLT CENTENARY

ROAD TESTS

44-51 2016 CADILLAC CT6 52-57 2016 HAVAL H9 58-61 2016 NISSAN NAVARA 62-65 2016 HYUNDAI ELANTRA

PREVIEWS

66-67 FERRARI 458MM SPECIALE 68-69 MINI SEVEN

CONCEPTUAL

70-71 BME 2002 HOMMAGE CONCEPT 72-73 ASTON MARTIN VANQUISH ZAGATO

CONCEPT

MOTORSPORTS

74-79 FORMULA ONE AT MONACO, SPAIN AND MOTOGP AT MUGELLO AND LE MANS

CHICANE

80 ABOUT HASHTAGS AND INFLUENCERS

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Mohammad Al Taie

AL ROYA PRESS & PUBLISHING PO Box: 343, Postal Code 118 Al Harthy Complex, Sultanate of Oman

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PUBLISHER Hatim Al Taie

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FINANCE & ADMIN Sumy Mol

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www.carbrandz.com MANAGING EDITOR Raj Warrior raj@automan.me CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Chandan Basu Mallik Anne Kurian DESIGN CONSULTANT Antony Karlo PHOTOGRAPHY Elvis John Ferrao For Advertising & Marketing enquiries: advertising@automan.me DISTRIBUTION UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Dar Al Hikma LLC alhikma@emirates.net.ae Tel: +971-4-2665394 | Fax: +971-4-2669827 PRINTER Al Anan Printing Press LLC Tel: +968 24446163 | Fax: +968 24446287 alananprinting.com | alananprinting@gmail.com © 2016 All editorial content of Automan in the magazine and its website is copyrighted and may not be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the management of Automan.

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We’re at the mid-point of the year and we are glad to say that most of the doomsday speak that we saw at the end of 2015 and into the beginning of this year has remained just that – speculation on a sense of doom. The reality is that people are doing what they do best in tough times – they’ve learned to work with the new environment, cut down on frivolities and needless expenditure and concentrated on hitting targets and realising goals, albeit more realistic ones.

The odd bit is that while the government itself has been the best example of this pragmatism, we are still seeing mainstream newspapers vacillating between telling us how bad things are, how costs are going up, how expats and citizens alike are losing jobs and how sales are down. Thankfully, there is a government source for this data so we can atleast accept it as a fact. The very same newspaper carried a report one day about how higher fuel prices at the pump are not impacting car sales, followed by a report a week later showing that car sales had dropped. The fact remains that the first report was poorly researched, began with a wrong premise and used absolute vehicle population as the comparitive year on year measure without talking to any expert or government official.

Car sales are not impacted by fuel prices – only the decision on which type of car and what engine size. Car sales are impacted because of a mix of poor business sentiment, longer recovery and debt collection periods, putting off capital expenditure where possible and general job insecurity and pragmatism from consumers.

The fact that fuel prices have risen 50% from January (Super is now 180 baiza a litre) tells us more about a government that has chosen to wisely withdraw subsidies over a period of months to balance its financial commitments and to avoid a huge shock at the fuel pump. We are going to have to live with the reality of lower subsidies on various fronts and the associated rising of monthly expenditure. But that’s not the real problem, since other than the very challenged, most of us have the capacity. And once we collectively realise that, business and consumer alike, we will get back to business as usual. Boom times may still be some time away, but the new normal is here and now and the companies and individuals who recognise that and work with the changed parameters are those that will be prepared for growth. That may mean changing the way you look at your job, or the very way you do business, but change and the ability to do it on the fly are key strengths for tomorrow’s front-runners.

And fortunately we are seeing it happening in the staid corridors of Oman’s car industry.

Let’s say that what’s left of this year is going to be rather interesting.

Automan is now in its 16th year of publication. Expect a great deal from us through the year in terms of all your favourite automotive content

NEWWHEELS 2017 Nissan Altima

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With a refreshed fascia and interiors, the new Altima joins Nissan’s regional offering with better driving manners and two choices of engines Author: Raj Warrior | Photography: Jorge Ferrari

Nissan has unveiled the new Altima, using the occasion of the press meet surrounding the announcement of the annual results for FY2015. The car was displayed in the hall and invited media were given an opportunity to drive both the 2.5-litre and 3.5-litre versions of the car.

The 2017 model year of the car isn’t a complete overhaul. The major change that Nissan has brought about in the car is in external sheet metal and styling and the interior gets upgraded to bring it on par with current technology. At the official unveiling of the car, Samir Cherfan, managing director of Nissan Middle East said, “We are excited to launch the 2017 Nissan Altima in the Middle East, which compliments Nissan’s range of innovative, exciting cars and represents Nissan’s vision for the design of the modern passenger car. The Altima is a popular car in the region and globally, and the new design elements add to the overall appeal of its reliability and features.”

If you’re familiar with the Maxima fascia, the new Altima should not come as a surprise to you. It brings the V-motion grille and ‘boomerang’ headlights and the re-sculpted fenders and bumpers. The

headlights now integrate LED projection low-beam lamps in the larger engine variant, with a signature DRL and the LED treatment is also taken into the rear of the car.

The car has also been subjected to an aerodynamic clean up that sees it coefficient of drag dropping from 0.29 to 0.26. Some of that is from the external panel redesign, but the rest is from the underbody, lower engine shielding and the provision of an adjustable front grille complete with louvers that open and shut depending on car speed and engine conditions.

The other significant boost to the car is in a cleaned up interior with a centre console (either 5” or 7” depending on variant) that incorporates a modern, clean feel in its graphics. The driver’s console gets a central LCD panel that shows a whole range of messages, including trip computer, navigation, phone call functions, lane departure warning and the regular audio controls. The dashboard itself gets the new design idiom of the ‘gliding wing’.

Another major boost is in the field of the technologies that are now available on the car. The car gets predictive front

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While the Altima brings a new visual identity, this is not a complete platform change. However, major upgrades to the interiors and infotainment match new safety tech like automated cruise control and pre-collision braking collision warning (migrated from Infiniti to offer a first in class feature), blind spot warning, forward emergency braking and rear cross traffic alert.

The engine choices on the car are the 2.5-litre QR25DE four-cylinder 182hp engine and the 3.5-litre V6 VQ35DE engine with its output of 270hp. Both of these engines are mated to an upgraded Xtronic CVT transmission, albeit with differing end ratios. Wheel sizes on the car range from 16” to 18”.

Driving Impressions The cleaner interior layout is a welcome upgrade in the car as is the slightly better NVH levels. Engine response doesn’t seem to have changed noticeably from before although the CVT doesn’t do its classical grind anymore. This seems to be the sweet spot that Nissan is aiming for with the mainstream value equation. Provide more than adequate output along with enough response so that people stop questioning the character of the automatic shift. Of course, if you should choose to tap the gear selector into S the rasp comes back, but its not a healthy one, just making the engine seem busier than usual. Our reckoning is that the 2.5-litre will see a lot of buyers in the fleet segment and some from the general retail market and it will offer up its no nonsense smooth ride between any number of point A’s to points

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thereafter. It has a reliable engine, good performance and above par interiors.

However, the sheer long-lived brilliance of Nissan’s 3.5-litre engine is something that you can’t ignore. The availability of extra torque is both welcome and immediate and the difference in the Xtronic and its delivery is also perceptible. The ratios aren’t all that different in either version so all the extra torque passes through, as does the better power curve. Then of course you have the far better package on the 3.5-litre versions of the car including all the safety technology and conveniences.

Here you really enjoy the combination of engine and Xtronic as well as the handling of the car. It’s not a sports sedan in the nature of the Maxima, but it has more than enough horsepower on offer to be right up there in terms of an executive ride.

Verdict Although the ride has been far too short to be justified as one of our regular test rides, the car does seem to communicate itself as a worthy enough upgrade. As far as we understand the price point is going to be maintained while offering a better package and this will definitely help the model stay in favour with its target segments. The 2017 Nissan Altima also promises better fuel consumption figures by engine control tweaks and the better fuel efficiency and that helps put it at the top of its segment.

Some of the interior elements remain almost a carry over, while others are huge changes. The brushed aluminium on light wood veneer has been used before. However, the car can now integrate with either your Android or iPhone and also packs in rear cross traffic assist and braking to a complete halt on its cruise control.

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B

entley Oman launched the new Bentley Bentayga, claimed to be the world’s fastest SUV, at an exclusive launch event at the Shangrila Barr Al Jissah, H.H. Sayiid Kamil Bin Fahad al Said was the chief guest and the event was hosted by the chairman of the automotive group, Hani Zubair.

He opened the proceedings by highlighting the long-standing relationship 10

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that the group had with Bentley and expressed his satisfaction at seeing the new Bentayga arrive in the Sultanate.

Bentley Oman has been the official distributor for Bentley since 1983. The longstanding partnership between Bentley Motors and Bentley Oman has grown from strength to strength over the years and the two continue to build on the association.

Mr Neil Wilford, Regional Manager Bentley Motors Middle East, Africa and India said “Bentayga represents a new era for Bentley and we are delighted to launch the world’s first ultra-luxury SUV in Oman.

With a wide range of alternatives and opportunities to personalise, the car is sure to be welcomed whole heartedly by Bentley aficionados and new customers.

Over the years, Bentley has created

Oman & region NEWS exceptional automobiles and Bentayga is an important launch. The Bentayga offers so much individuality that each and every customer can create something truly luxurious and extraordinary. We are positive that customers in Oman will appreciate a car such as this.”

Wilford added, “On the occasion of the launch I would like to highlight Bentley’s long standing relationship with Bentley Oman. They are our trusted partners and we are committed to working closely with them to achieve our goals”.

With an all-new W12 powertrain, the Bentayga is claimed to be the fastest,

most powerful, most luxurious and most exclusive SUV in the world. It is engineered to deliver a recognisable Bentley driving experience and showcases innovative technology features.

An all-new twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre W12 engine is at the heart of the new Bentayga. The mighty 12-cylinder unit combines efficiency and refinement with ultra-luxurious levels of power and torque.

With 608 PS (600 bhp / 447kW) and 900 Nm (663 lb. ft) delivering a 0-60 mph time of 4.0 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.1 seconds) and a top speed of 187 mph (301 km/h), the Bentayga is the world’s most powerful

and fastest SUV. David Ryan, General Manager of Bentley Oman said, “We are delighted to bring Bentayga to Oman. It brings the world of SUVs to a new level. Infact, Bentayga redefines luxury in the SUV sector and offers an authentic Bentley experience in any environment, thanks to a blend of unmatched attention to detail and cuttingedge technology. With this extraordinary car we are looking forward to an exciting period of strong growth and sales success for Bentley. The Bentayga is the next step in our brand’s bold future.”

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The 2016 Hyundai Elantra lands in Oman Hyundai’s Oman importer, Oman Trading Enterprises launched the 2016 Hyundai Elantra at an event hosted in the lobby of the Muscat Grand Mall. The event was meant to connect the broader consumer base with the excitement of a car launch, while offering them the opportunity to meet company sales officials.

The brand Ambassador for Hyundai in Oman, Oman team Captain and goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi was a special guest and he participated in the unveiling of the cars as well as stood for the obligatory photographs.

Managing director of Oman Trading Enterprises Anil Dua said, “We are pleased to bring the new Elantra to Oman. It offers a package that builds on the value of the model line while giving customers the very

latest in technology and convenience. “ He also thanked Ali Al Habsi for his presence.

Later on a freestyle football display was put on to entertain the audience, while people were encouraged to have a closer look at the cars.

Special price offer on M-B E-class for Ramadan We know that it’s on the outgoing model, but this offer on the 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-class E300 Avantgarde AMG Sport seems the sort that you should consider. Oman’s Mercedes-Benz importer Zawawi Trading has announced a special price of RO 24,995. This is in addition to their ongoing Ramadan offer that runs till the end of June, which gives you a 5-year or 105,000 kilometres service package, three year unlimited warranty, road side assistance, free registration and V-Kool on their windows.

Buyers are also entered into a draw to win an A250.

“It is with great pleasure that we have been able to create this very special promotion on one of our most popular vehicles this Ramadan,” said Clive Hammond CEO Mercedes-Benz Oman.

Lukoil now available in Oman Global oil major and Russian petroleum leader Lukoil has finally entered Oman with arange of automotive and industrial lubricants in association with the Suhail Bahwan group.

Speaking at the event, SBA’s managing director Divyendu Kumar said, “We lacked a good lubricant brand in our portfolio of aftermarket products and are pleased that we are able to partner with Lukoil, bringing a world leader in the field to Oman.”

Lukoil has been in the region for some time now and has a leadership position in the field of marine lubricants. With this entry, we should see a growth in the retail market offerings (outside branded petrol service stations.)

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Oman & region NEWS

Mercedes-Benz in Medium Duty Truck Segment with the Accelo and Atego Zawawi Trading Company (ZTC), the authorized Distributor for Mercedes-Benz in Oman has added to its line-up of trucks with the launch of two medium-duty trucks, the Atego and Accelo. The new trucks made their debut at a special event held at the InterContinental Muscat where a number of selected clients and business leaders came face to face with the multipurpose trucks.

“Effortlessly accomplishing every task with strength, durability and reliability, the Atego and Accelo continue the Mercedes-Benz tradition of quality.

Designed and engineered for excellent performance, easy maintenance, low fuel consumption and low operational cost, they are comfortable and safe for productive workdays. In addition and

mindful of the many and varied demands of distribution transport, the Atego and Accelo have body-mounting ability to cover virtually every application in this segment including cargobody, cargobody with crane, tankers, beverage distribution, refrigerated vehicles, curtainsiders, and small tippers,” explained Daniel Fitzjohn, General Manager, Commercial Vehicles ZTC. He added: “Making these two new stars even more attractive is our special introductory offer of a one year or 75,000 kilometres complimentary service contract on all purchases before 30th June, 2016.”

The Atego benefits from an impressive drivetrain with a strong fuel-efficient Mercedes-Benz 4.2 litre 6-cylinder engine delivering 245hp, and six-speed gearbox

enabling it to carry loads of up to 11.8 tons. Thanks to its ABS system, the robust truck has assured handling and easy manoeuverability, even in emergency braking situations. The truck’s modern, practical, functional and ergonomic cab with advanced safety features offers easy access, comfort and storage with ample seating for two co-drivers.

The Accelo has body options up to 6.5 metres, providing the perfect platform for those who seek practicality, efficiency and agility in inter-urban or short-distance transportation. Equipped with a powerful Mercedes-Benz 4.2 litre 4-cylinder engine delivering 150hp, the Accelo is engineered and designed to carry heavy loads up to 5.7 tons with ease and safety.

New Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport now in Oman The most powerful production GTI has now arrived in Oman just in time for the Ramadan buying season. The car is seen as the anniversary edition to mark the 40th year of the GTI. The new Golf GTI Clubsport will offer a turbocharged directinjection engine delivering an output of 195kW / 265hp – 45hp more than on the previous most powerful Golf GTI in the region – and a boost function that increases power output to over 290hp for a short time.

The car also sports a new body kit and has had tweaks to the interiors.

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SHOPSAVVY Ramadan Campaigns

Audi Extra campaign offers customers extra this Ramadan Under the slogan “This Ramadan Audi Offers You Extra” the regional campaign offers customers superior value during the promotional period of Ramadan that encompass warranty, service, maintenance and roadside assistance packages, as well as exclusive finance solutions to give extra peace of mind to their customers.

Toyota Generates ‘The Biggest Excitement Ever’ The offer is about Toyota vehicles now being available with a host of exciting model-specific benefits like 0% interest rate, upto two years of comprehensive insurance, Service Package for up to 3 Years / 30,000 Kms Service (whichever is earlier) and even Assured Cash Back upto RO 1100. Also a customer can choose to avail of the Cash Gift in lieu of benefits like Insurance and Service Package. (These benefits are model specific and may vary accordingly.)

To top it all, every Toyota customer gets a Gift Voucher and a chance to take part in a raffle which has 4 units of 16YM Prius Hybrid to be won.

Elevate your journey with Infiniti Depending on the model you buy, Infiniti offers an assured gift (Frederique Constante watch), and assured cash gift that can be used against down payment ranging from RO 1,000 to 2,000; a threeyear/60,000km maintenance package, 6-year warranty, free registration, free insurance and a AAA roadside assistance card. Please check details with the showroom.

Nissan offers cash gifts and more Assured cash gift up to OMR 2,500.00, free lifetime service, free fuel up to OMR 1,000.00, scratch and win prizes, free registration, 6 years extended unlimited mileage warranty, grand raffle and additional benefits on buying second vehicle in family.

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Mitsubishi offers an unbeatable deal General Automotive Company (GAC) is offering customers free insurance, free service packages up to 6 years/100,000km, free registration, trade-in bonuses up to OMR 500.00, and cash gifts of up to OMR 3,000 together with a special Ramadan gift. Free roadside assistance will also be offered on select models. GAC will also be hosting weekly cash draws throughout the Ramadan period for visitors to the showroom as well as another special weekly draw with the chance to win an iPhone 6S for anyone who test drives a Mitsubishi vehicle. The latter draw will take place for five weeks with the first draw to be held on June 6. 2016.

Ford’s ‘Season of Generosity’ Great cars, futuristic technologies and amazing offers like Cash Gift of up to RO 2500 up to 5 years / 100,000 kms Free Service, Free Insurance, and Free Gift are in store (Conditions apply. Visit Showroom for details).

Lexus Announces 1st Time Ever Offer Lexus announced the much awaited Ramadan offer – Free Service 6 Years / 60,000 kms (1 year / 10,000 km Service Interval), 6 years Unlimited Mileage Warranty and Free Insurance (Conditions apply. Visit showroom for details). The offer lasts until 4th August, 2016.

“At Lexus we are constantly focusing on the needs of our customers and addressing them with suitable offers,” said a representative from Saud Bahwan Automotive. “As you will see 6 years / 60,000 kms Free Service is an offer element introduced for the first time ever. Our customers are well aware of the lengths Lexus goes to for customer satisfaction and this is just one example.

We are confident that with an outstanding offer like this many customers will have a huge reason to cherish Lexus luxury for a long time.”

Kia Deals-out Incredibly Powerful Ramadan Offer ‘Waffer Ma Kia’ campaign invites customers to visit the showroom with just OMR99.00 and drive away with a new Kia car. Rest of the offer includes zero per cent profit rate for a 2-year loan and 2.99 per cent profit rate for loans ranging 2-5 years. Cash gift up to OMR1,600.00 on every Kia purchased comes with a 30,000km service package and comprehensive insurance for Oman on the vehicle for a year can also be opted. That’s not all. New car purchasers will be entered into 4 raffle draws of OMR 1,000.00 each and a grand raffle of OMR 5,000.00. Cash for fuel or the assured scratch and win coupon of total worth of OMR 26,000.00 also included in the programme that runs till July 7.2016.

Nissan Middle East declares a great 2015 performance

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issan Middle East announced some stellar results during a press conference held in the middle of May. At the event, results for the past year were combined with an overview of how the brand had done over the past five years, as well as with a forward looking statement that gave indications of what the brand has in mind for the coming year.

The presentation ran over a combination of brand related achievements including a number of world firsts or records that the brand has picked up, including the Nissan Patrol pulling the IL76 aircraft at Sharjah airport, The twin drift by the 370Z, the fastest recorder drift by a Nissan GTR and the fastest dune climb. In addition

Samir Cherfan receiving the Guiness World record for the fastest dune climb. Bottom we see the first production Nismo Patrol.

to that the company declared that it had registered a volume growth of 50% and a marketshare growth of 25%.

“We haven’t just experienced an increase in sales over these past five years,” commented Samir Cherfan, Managing Director, Nissan Middle East. “Nissan has grown in terms of volume, market share, customer satisfaction and brand power.

We have put in place a game changing plan in our key market, Saudi Arabia, which has been instrumental in achieving our growth strategy.”

The company has been using a strategy that encompasses effective product management, enhancing customer engagement and customer service and by promoting the brand. They quoted examples of how these three pillars of their strategy had been actualised – with a look at the product line-up and lifecycle management, growth of sales and service network over the region and by its brand related activity. Nissan worldwide has

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managed to reach position 49 in the Interbrands Top 100 ranking.

“In the past 5 years, we have managed to achieve 70% of our sales volume through our core models. The increase of Patrol sales by 235% and the X-trail by 440% in this 5-year period a testament that our core model product line-up strategy is effective,” said Cherfan.

On the brand front he added, “Our brand has been the most awarded automotive brand in the region, grabbing 32 awards in 5 years, in addition to increasing purchase consideration by 49%, validating that our brand strategy resonates with our target audience”.

Samir Cherfan also touched upon the fact that much of the past year’s extra volumes were attributable to a resurgence of the Saudi Arabian market, where the company had established a subsidiary (Nissan KSA), appointed a new importer in the Alissa group, while also entering into an arrangement with Petromin, an organization that runs a network of gas stations and quick service centres in order to add a vital missing element in their offering to customers.

The company expects that the bulk of these quick service centres around Saudi Arabia will be upgraded to Nissan standards in the near future.

“FY15 was a transitional year during which we had to manage the impact of our exponential growth. We took a decision to slow down our volumes and focus on delivering value through service excellence to retain the trust of our customers,” explained Cherfan. He went on to add that he expects that the

brand to achieve a 9.6% marketshare in FY16 (that will end in March 2017), with the network growing to 54 showrooms, 49 service centres and 550 quick service centres.

The company expects FY16 will be positive for it in the region, with a volume growth of 12% and marketshare growth of 15%.

In the meantime it is pertinent to note that on a global basis, Nissan had declared an annual performance on sales of 5.42 million vehicles that resulted in a revenue growth of 7.2% and growth in operating profit of 34.6%. Total sales were to the tune of 12.19 trillion Yen (the equivalent of 101.9 billion dollars). Nissan expects to ramp up sales to 5.6 million vehicles in FY16.

“These solid results reflect the success of our continuing product offensive, particularly in the North American market,” said Carlos Ghosn, president and chief executive officer. “Encouraging demand for new models, combined with continued cost efficiency, helped us withstand currency headwinds and volatile trading conditions in several emerging markets.

“In the coming year, we will deliver further product innovation – particularly in autonomous-drive systems – and rising synergies from the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Looking ahead, we expect continued improvement in Nissan’s underlying performance as we focus on the demanding goals of the Power 88 midterm plan. However, we have adopted a cautious outlook for the current fiscal year given continuing market and exchange rate volatility.”

Oman & region NEWS Above: Nissan Middle East Managing Director Samir Cherfan speaks at the event.

The event covered the local performance over the past five years and dwelled on the importance of the new thrust Nissan has in the Saudi Arabian market.

He paid special attention to how the brand has involved itself in various world record attempts including the pull of the IL-76 at Sharjah as well as the fastest drift (pictured to the left) and the fastest climb of a dune (pictured to the right)

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Goodyear appoints new Business Unit Director

Hyundai Appoints New Head of Africa & Middle East Region Hyundai Motor has announced the appointment of Mike Song as the new regional head to begin from the second week of May. Mike Song will take over as head of Hyundai Motor’s regional operations that cover the MENA region, as well as Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Canary Islands.

He will be based at the headquarters in Dubai.

“It is both an enormous challenge and a great privilege to take on such an exciting role,” said Mr. Song. “Hyundai is a leader in passenger car sales in several markets in the region, with a committed network of distributors, and a growing number of satisfied customers. I look forward to playing a vital role in the company’s continued success.”

Born in Korea in 1968, Mr. Song Joined Hyundai 18

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in 1993 after graduating from Seoul National University. He was Executive Coordinator for Sales and Marketing in Canada from 2000 to 2005; worked within the Corporate Planning Division at Hyundai Global Headquarters from 2005 to 2009; and was Sales Coordinator for Hyundai Motor America from 2010 to 2014. Most recently, he has filled the role of Head of Asia-Pacific, Africa and Middle East Group, based in Korea.

He joins the Africa and Middle East Regional Headquarters during an important period for the carmaker, with 2016 expected to include the launch of two significant new product lines: the introduction of Genesis as a stand-alone luxury brand, and the release of the IONIQ eco-friendly model.

This will be the first car to be offered with a choice of the three most popular alternative-fuel drivetrains, including full-hybrid, plugin hybrid, and full-electric.

Mr. Song will also work to drive Hyundai sales in what are difficult market conditions through much of the region.

“Looking at the road ahead, there is considerable uncertainty in many markets, from the impact of low oil prices in the GCC and other petroleum-producing countries, through to falling currencies in the two largest African markets – South Africa and Egypt,” said Mr. Song.

Mike Song replaces Jin (James) Kim, who is returning to a senior management position in Korea.

Goodyear Middle East and Africa has announced the appointment of Khaled Arafa as the Business Unit Director of the Consumer tyres segment for Middle East and Africa.

In his new role, Arafa will progress Goodyear’s vision to achieve excellence in sales and marketing driven by Goodyear’s innovations and collaborative planning.

He will oversee the expansion of the Goodyear brand in the region through the quality of its products and the efficiency of its services, and drive initiatives to reaffirm Goodyear’s position as the consumers’ preferred choice in the regional tyre market.

Arafa has over 18 years of experience in the tire manufacturing industry, where his technical expertise has been the foundation of many successful projects across Middle East, Africa and Europe.

Bentley Motors has made deliveries of its exclusive Bentayga SUV First Edition models to royal households and VIP customers across the region.

The First Editions are restricted to just 608 cars globally

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Life line for Mitsubishi It’s no secret that Mitsubishi Motors Corporation is still facing the PR fallout from the highly publicized fuel-economy cheating scandal. After news that Mitsubishi falsified its fuel economy data on every vehicle it has sold in Japan since 1991, and the tumble in the company’s value that followed, the troubled carmaker has an unlikely saviour. Last month, Nissan confirmed it had purchased over one third of Mitsubishi’s stock, or 34 per cent in a deal valued at US$2.2bn.

This timely marriage could save the partners as much as $US4.5bn on platform development over the normal product cycle, according to Renault-Nissan Alliance chairman and CEO Carlos Ghosn.

Ghosn said that with the incorporation of Mitsubishi into the Renault-Nissan Alliance would create a conglomerated that would be capable of producing about 10mn vehicles in 2016 itself.

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Such an effort effectively puts the new alliance into the top three automotive companies globally. The key part of the collaboration would be the sharing of platforms as that would lead to substantial savings. According to Ghosn: “Developing a new platform costs in the region of $500mn and it usually has a shelf life of 15 years. “We have nine common platforms between MMC and Nissan. Instead of building our own platforms, we can use our partner’s platform.” On the product front, the tie-up between Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors is already bearing fruit as Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn has confirmed the next-generation Nissan Navara and Mitsubishi Triton will likely be based on a shared platform. The new pairing could save as much as $US4.5bn as in between the two companies, there are 18 seperate platforms which now can be reduced to nine shared platforms.

Management changes inevitable Commenting on the deal and its after effects, Mitsubishi’s chairman, Osamu Masuko said that the merger was

1991 when Japan introduced new regulations. That’s not all. Joining Aikawa san on the way out is Ryugo Nakao san, one of three executive vice presidents of the company and the man responsible for product planning and quality at Mitsubishi.

Automan’s take

inevitable. Mitsubishi’s image has taken a beating after the company’s admission to cheating fuel efficiency tests. Meanwhile, Mitsubishi president Tetsuro Aikawa has announced he will step down following this revelation, something that dates back to

Nissan is a natural partner for Mitsubishi, and since the fuel economy scandal escalated for both brands, it makes perfect business sense for the partners looking at a healthy symbiotic relationship.

With Nissan assuming over a third of the company’s ownership, a shareholders meeting is scheduled for June 24. According to the company released statement, the company “will decide on the successors of both Representative Directors at our board of directors’ meeting and make an announcement promptly.” This means Masuko San could also be replaced.

Marchionne named CEO of Ferrari Brandwatch

Ferrari and the appointment is effective immediately.

Marchionne’s other corporate responsibilities including his role as CEO of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, and chairman of CNH Industrial, a global manufacturer of agricultural equipment will remain unaffected.

At Ferrari, Marchionne replaces Amedeo Felisa, who has been with Ferrari for 26 years. Felisa will continue to serve on Ferrari’s board of directors with what the automaker described as a “mandate” to act as technical adviser to the company.

NEWS

It’s no secret that for over two years, Sergio Marchionne has overseen the evolution of Ferrari from a niche brand that was part of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles into to a highly profitable independent company. Marchionne has always advocated the fact that Ferrari’s value and profits can expand exponentially now that it stands on its own.

Last month, the automaker announced its most profitable quarter ever and reported a 15per cent increase in sales.

The latest news about Marchionne is that he has been appointed as CEO of

Overwhelming response for Ford’s GT online booking With the application deadline now over, Ford said 10,800 people from across the world at least started the inquiry process, and 6,506 of them submitted a fully completed request. In terms of delivery schedules, the Blue Oval has decided to restrict the first production run to 500 units over the next two years.

“Hundreds of registrants

submitted videos with their applications,” the company’s announcement said. Some of the clips even included the prospective buyer’s children, racing footage, and garage tours.

Ford will contact the fortunate buyers over the next 90 days, and a concierge service will guide them through building the supercar.

Hyundai serious with Genesis as premium offering As an emerging premium brand from South Korea, fast moving Hyundai has been able to offer top class engineers and designers a creative platform in the form of Genesis. Now, that Genesis is being promoted aggressively, the talent pool is also increasing. The latest addition to the creative talent pool is 42-year-old Sang Yup Lee, Bentley‘s head of exterior and advanced design. The Korean designer has previously worked for Volkswagen, Pininfarina, Porsche and he’s most famous for his work at General Motors. At GM, Lee was responsible for the fifth-generation Chevrolet Camaro and 2009’s 50th

Anniversary Corvette Stingray concept. At his last job with Bentley, he was responsible for the Bentley EXP 10 Speed 6 concept car.

At Hyundai, he will be responsible primarily for shaping the future look of the Genesis luxury brand and will be working under Luc Donckerwolke. Lee will also help design future Hyundai models. “The innovative design and surprising growth of Hyundai Motor has always made me proud as a Korean while I worked overseas,” Lee said in a statement. “Now I want to contribute in creating world-leading automobile designs for both Hyundai Motor and the Genesis brand.”

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What’s in a name?

Fuji Heavy Industries [FHI] has announced that it will officially change its name to Subaru Corporation in 2017. The corporate name change is pending approval at the company’s shareholder meeting on June 28. “The purpose of this shift is to further accelerate our efforts to enhance the Subaru brand and achieve even greater growth for Subaru as a distinctive global brand in the automotive and aerospace industries,” the company statement said.

Subaru forecasts its global vehicle sales will top 1 million for the first time in 2017.

Audi Middle East will group all of its highperformance models under a new brand called Audi Sport. Audi Sport is launched to cater to the special needs of fast car lovers through this new performance subsidiary. With its spearhead R and RS models, Audi Sport emphasizes the close link between motorsports and the road and demonstrates the transfer of racing technology into road cars.

Emissions scam expands After Volkswagen admitted its involvement in the Diesel-gate scam which was followed by Mitsubishi’s fuel efficiency scandal, it seems more skeletons are coming out of the cupboard. From Asia, it is being reported that at least two other Japanese carmakers have used improper techniques to test the fuel economy figures of their cars. The two car makers are Suzuki and Nissan. Suzuki has officially announced “discrepancies” in fuel economy and emissions testing of 16 Japanese domestic market models, but says that the end results of the tests require no amendment. Suzuki states that all these cars were tested using methods different than the ones specified by the Japanese regulations and the country’s fourth-largest car manufacturer points out that it has not deliberately manipulated the test results. Nissan, meanwhile, has faced accusations from South Korea that some of its UK-made Qashqais have defeat devices fitted to their engines. Nissan has denied any wrong doing.

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Ferrari’s turbo-charged V8 is the overall winner of the International Engine of the Year

With 63 jurors from more than 30 countries, the International Engine of the Year Award is one of the industry’s most coveted honours.

Ferrari took the most important of them all, the overall International Engine of the Year Award, with the twin-turbo V8 that powers the 488 GTB, 488 Spider and, with a slightly

different displacement, the California T. In fact, this engine also won the Performance Engine and New Engine categories, as well as the 3-litre to 4-litre displacement category.

Ferrari’s naturally-aspirated 6.3-litre V12 engine that powers the F12berlinetta and F12tdf also received the Above 4-litre award.

According to Graham

Johnson, co-chairman, International Engine of the Year Awards, “It’s a giant leap forward for turbocharged engines in terms of efficiency, performance and flexibility. It truly is the best engine in production today and will forever be remembered as one of the all-time greats.”

Jaguar to compete with Porsche An upcoming Jaguar F-Type facelift prototype has been spotted with a four-cylinder engine on board and that indicates the possibility of an entry level is on the cards for this model. Now, this move would not be considered whimsical considering the fact that German sports car maker Porsche introduced the facelifted Cayman recently with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The new Cayman is powered by a newly developed 2.0-litre with 300hp in the regular model and boosted to 350hp in the S. Now, Jaguar is preparing an answer to the turbo Cayman by testing an entry-level F-Type which has a four-cylinder engine.

As of now, Jaguar’s turbo 2.0-litre in the XE delivers 240hp and the brand new engine from the Ingenium family which will come in the F-Type will offer engineers to tweak its output even further. Other

engineering and cosmetic tweaks in the entry level F-Type will include smaller wheels, a centrallypositioned, single exhaust tip and less aggressive front and rear bumpers designs.

Snippets Jeep to add four-cylinder in 2018 Wrangler line-up?

Eagle-eyed spy photographers have spotted a prototype doing the test rounds with an in-line four-cylinder turbo charged engine. As of now, Jeep’s Corporate Average Fuel Economy [CAFE] ratings are low and the addition of a turbo-four cylinder engine could help the 2018 Jeep Wrangler post improved fuel-efficiency numbers. Early reports say the engine will be mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, and will use a twin-scroll turbo and an aluminium block, with peak power tipped at about 300 horsepower.

Planning documents from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles also reveal that the Wrangler will add diesel and hybrid powertrains during its life cycle. An updated 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, also mated to an eight-speed automatic instead of the current Wrangler’s five-speed, will likely be the standard engine choice. The lighter bodyon-frame MY 2018 Jeep Wrangler is expected to debut next year and the entry level model will be identified from its Hurricane badging.

Curtains down for some car models Toyota FJ Cruiser One of Middle East’s favourite Toyota SUVs for over a decade, the retro inspired FJ Cruiser will soon become a thing of the past as globally Toyota has announced that it will discontinue its production in August 2016. Due to mileage and emissions ratings issues, sales of the FJ were discontinued in the US in 2014, but production continued through today for markets like Australia and Middle East. As of now, no replacement plans have been announced by Toyota.

Cadillac ELR General Motors’ Cadillac ELR extendedrange plug-in is on its way out as the automaker prepares to go all in on the Chevrolet Bolt electric vehicle. The ELR officially stopped production a few weeks ago. Johan de Nysschen, president of General Motors’ Cadillac division, has confirmed that there were no plans for the replacement of the short lived ELR coupe which was first introduced as a 2014 model.

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Volvo’s future model glimpse Volvo Cars unveiled two new concept vehicle ideas -- 40.1, 40.2 -- last month.

The official launch also marks the Swedish brand’s global small-car strategy.

The newly revealed 40 series concept models demonstrate for the first time how Volvo plans to expand into the large and

lucrative global market for premium small cars with a range of vehicles that combine bold exterior and interior design with industry-leading connectivity, electrification and autonomous drive technologies.

The new concept cars will be the first built around

Volvo’s new Compact Modular Architecture (CMA), which has been specially created for smaller cars and which has liberated the company’s designers and engineers to explore bold and daring new directions.

‘s Take

The Volvo 40.1, 40.2 concepts also seem to preview what the future XC40 SUV and S40 sedans could look like and given the brand’s premium aspirations it is unlikely that Volvo will have models under the 40 Series in future.

Infiniti hints at performance GT model

Infiniti has released digital details of its Concept Vision Gran Turismo. The carmaker says it represents a vision of what a high performance Infiniti could look like in the future. It was created through close collaboration with the creators of Gran Turismo®, the racing game franchise developed by Polyphony Digital Inc. that has sold more than 72 million copies worldwide. The concept

Vision Gran Turismo will be available for download in Gran Turismo®6 (GT6™) exclusively on the PlayStation®3 system.

The Vision Gran Turismo concept started in house as an ambitious global Infiniti Design competition to “design a pure Infiniti GT car. Drivers who own GT6 will be the first to test drive the virtual concept car on world famous tracks across the globe.

The latest is that Toyota’s new Supra and BMW’s Z5 codeveloped sports cars will be produced in Austria and are expected to reach markets as MY2018 models. For BMW Group, the contract manufacturer builds the MINI Countryman and Paceman.

MINI’s Paceman will be discontinued soon and the next-generation Countryman is slated to be moved inhouse.

This would mark the first time that Magna Steyr would build a car for Toyota – or any Asian manufacturer for that matter.

2016 Bentley Bentayga

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Author: Raj Warrior | Photography: Elvis John Ferrao

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Engine 6-litre twin-turbocharged W12 TSI Power 600 bhp / 447 kW @ 5000-6000 rpm Torque 900 Nm / 664 lb.ft @1350-4500 rpm

Suspension Front Four-link double wishbones, optional 48V electric active anti-roll bar Rear rapezoidal multi-link, optional 48V electric active anti-roll bar Springs and dampers Self-levelling air suspension, Continuous Damping Control

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Transmission ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox, permanent all-wheel drive, Torsen centre differential, open rear differential, 40:60 front:rear torque split

The Bentley Bentayga has the instant admiration of the rich buyer in the Gulf region – it’s an epitome of luxury and it is an SUV. But does it do more than just tick off the right boxes?

L

et’s begin this tale with a flashback. A few years ago, we were on a tour of the Bentley factory in Crewe. This was a time, when the highlight of the tour was being shown the two assembly lines for the Mulsanne and the Continental family and being shown the different manufacturing techniques used for each car, depending on whether it was the relatively high volume Continental type or the more exclusive Mulsanne. We were also shown the Mulliner customisation division and were told rather obliquely that it may be shifted soon to make way for expansion.

“So you’re going to make the SUV?” was our immediate response.

Over lunch that afternoon, we had an engaging discussion with one of the directors and he very candidly admitted that the SUV project was rather high on the corporate agenda, although he couldn’t confirm whether the sign-off had happened.

Remember, that was a time when the China market was in the throes of a boom. Luxury cars were flying off the showroom floors faster than you could say, “give me a Phantom” and China had become the single largest luxury goods market. The folks at Bentley told us that their Chinese dealers had assured them that IF they made an SUV, China would need 10,000 of them a year.

The rationale for a luxury SUV was clearly there. Range Rover and the German premium marques had moved their offerings up the price band and sales were booming and all that was needed was a clear-cut first mover into the luxury segment.

Now, a few years, many motorshows and a lot of development later, we get the Bentley Bentayga as the first mover into this segment. Things have changed, slightly. China and its love affair with conspicuous consumption have moderated, although it is still a robust market, we are back in the scenario of another global slowdown and other premium brands have debuted SUVs, albeit at lower levels. But nothing really changes for the Bentley Bentayga project.

Brakes & Wheels Front 400mm ventilated iron discs Rear 380mm ventilated iron discs Wheels Standard 20”, optional 21” and 22” Tyres Pirelli 275/50R20, 285/45 R21, 285/45 ZR21, 285/40ZR22

Wolfgang Dürheimer, chairman and chief executive of Bentley Motors, said: “The Bentayga is truly the Bentley of SUVs. It redefines luxury in the SUV sector and offers a genuine Bentley experience in any environment, thanks to a combination of unparalleled attention to detail, go-anywhere ability and cutting-edge technology. With this extraordinary car we are looking forward to an exciting period of strong growth and sales success for Bentley. The Bentayga is the next step in our brand’s bold future.”

Logically, what the larger Volkswagen group did in this was to use the strengths of the existing SUV platform used by Audi and then build on that. The timelines were in its favour – the shared platform was going through a generational revamp, losing weight and incorporating lighter construction techniques, while switching to a very high technology combination of traditional CANBUS and IP networks. Within Bentley itself, the acclaimed W12 engine had been joined by a new generation V8 engine and the all-wheel drive technology of the group had reached new levels.

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The Bentayga has a wicked acceleration if you stomp right down on the pedal. The W12 engine opens up in a symphony that serenades you as you shoot into the right side of the speedometer dial, while the audio system is silent by choice The Bentley Bentayga is thus a product that comes from a confluence of perfect storms in these areas.

The familiar proportions are deceiving – the car sits on a 2995mm wheelbase and is 5.14 metres long. The longish wheelbase could accommodate a seven seater layout, but is ideally suited to the needs of a largish four-seater. And the 1742mm height of the car at normal ride height also gives you a clue of the good headroom inside. After all the class of buyers include many who need the regalia of a turban or headdress.

The styling has been one of the most contentious areas we’ve seen around an evolving model. As the first options were shown a couple of years ago, the design was lambasted as being too much of an attempt to graft a traditional Bentley fascia onto the SUV body. After all the brickbats, it wasn’t a surprise then that this final look is so much more in tune with the platform’s lines. The fascia is still very much the Bentley norm of a large trapezoidal mesh grille with the outlying and lower airdam areas also carrying over the mesh treatment. But now the design is closer to the Continental than the Mulsanne. The headlights and DRLs are set in two pairs of circles, one large and the other small. The outer circles also serve as turn indicators.

All the lighting is LED in nature The profile is rugged and inherently dynamic. To some extent it exudes the feel of a station wagon with a foreshortened rear overhang. The front wheel overfenders seem well matched with the multiple sight lines across the door area. The rear wheel gets a putative haunch treatment with complex folds on the rear door panel ending in a rise back up to the shoulderline and back above the taillights. A detailed chrome trim serves to top off the skirt and around the back, stopping short of the wheel bays. The rear gives the feel of a sedan with the taillights only intruding into the tailgate a little. The sharp drop-off of the rear window and the almost notchback treatment of the tailgate are the best interpretation we’ve seen of this area. The car gets a panoramic glass sunroof as standard, complete with sliding 30

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shade that cuts out all the light while still looking porous.

However, the Bentley Bentayga really comes into familiar territory in the interiors.

That’s where the real class of the company’s craftsmanship can be seen, from the matched and mirrored wood panelling, the use of real leather and soft-touch plastics and the shiny feel of the metal parts. Touch and feel characteristics are very much true to the Bentley identity. The air-conditioning ducts are round, chromed vents, pull knobs throttle airflow and the cockpit is divided into two distinct zones for the driver and passenger. The dashboard is divided into two large nacelles with the centre console almost defining a valley in between them.

On the very top of the median line, Bentley offers its signature analogue timepiece, with an option to pay some serious money for a limited edition offering – a bespoke mechanical Mulliner Tourbillon by Breitling.

The driver’s console is a mix of digital display tech and the twin round analogue dials of the speedometer and rev counter with their smaller two dials of engine temperature and fuel levels. The car offers a heads-up display as well as night vision technology, with the night vision display showing up in between the roundels. In addition the car gets the touch technology of the group on its central 8” display, with proximity sensing for the screen, capacitive recognition for switches as well as the ability to understand voice control.

The system also features a 60GB solid-state device storage that helps with the pairing and content management of multiple phones as well as stored music. Of course, in keeping with the technology of the day, it is possible to create a wireless hub and share content within the car as well.

The rear seats get their own 10.2” tablet screens, both detachable and usable as regular Android devices, while also serving as regular displays for the occupants.

In keeping with the traditional simplicity of the marque’s layout, the centre console cascades down from the two orbs of the air-conditioning louvres to the media zone with the screen and media switches around it, to a flatter zone with climate control

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settings, a utility tray that marks the shift from vertical to horizontal and then the progression of matched stadium slots for the gearshift lever and ashtray (which makes the job of making mirrored righthand drive and left-hand drive variants that much easier). At the end of this is the dial controller with the engine start/stop, terrain and performance mode selectors, flanked by ride height controllers and traction and hill-descent control buttons.

The engine is a high output new generation of the 6.0-litre W12. It is rated at 600bhp of output with a phenomenal torque of 900Nm, mated to an eight-speed quick-shifting gearbox and delivering performance figures of 4.1 seconds for the 0-100 km/h sprint and a top speed of 301 km/h. Bentley claims that this makes it the world’s fastest SUV. Driving Impressions We have had the Bentayga for a shorter time than we would really have liked. But even with the limited outing, some things come through immediately. The first is that the car does feel closer to a spirited Continental GT. The steering wheel feel carries over, as does a general familiarity with the cabin. The steering is electrical, but has been really worked on. The feedback varies along with your selection of drive modes. The other variation that comes across is that of the chassis setting and response rates. In normal, you waft over a speed-breaker; in Sport it is a small clunk. Bentley has worked on the higher CG and dynamics of an SUV and worked in engineered solutions to compensate.

While the suspension is a combination of double wishbones up front and multi-links

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behind, the car gets optional electrically operated motorized anti-roll cars for both, with variable and almost instantaneous response that tightens up the body in turns. The ride height control matches with the continuous damping control of the sir suspension.

Take the car into tight corners at any sort of speed and you can feel its bulk on the wheel points as you turn in. But in Sport mode the chassis responds, and the steering feel is close to immediate. You can use either of the quick shift modes of the paddle shifters or the tap shift arrangement of the gearshift lever. The engine spools in beautifully. The twin-turbo arrangement responds from just above idling because of a touch of compensating early boost and then onwards the ramp up of torque is immense and intense. You barely feel the shift up after the first three gears have been passed – the feeling is neck-snapping all the way. The car also uses its AWD arrangement nicely in the acceleration phase, switching quickly from a complete rear bias to one that offers around 20 to 30% of torque to the front wheels. You can call up the display to let you know exactly what the vehicle is doing.

On the other hand, if you choose to dawdle around town without stressing the gas pedal, the engine also offers selective cylinder bank deactivation and engine auto stop/start in order to save fuel.

The Sport mode changes the characteristics of the vehicle’s dynamics very noticeably.

Ride quality becomes less wafty – stiffening up to sedan levels, engine response becomes quicker and the gears tend to stay lower. Going downhill, the gearbox

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Sumptuous leather greets the owner along with the glossy wood treatment of the touch and feel parts. The Bentley variant of the group’s new shifter enjoys a classy surround, while the start/stop button sits on top of the drive mode controller. The seats get massage functions along with memory and ventilation. The new generation W12 is a winner.

Opposite page: Thankfully the Bentayga stays with Analogue dials despite the new display technology onboard

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Verdict Even if the Bentayga is never taken off-road, it will definitely find an adequate customer base among the rich and interested. It visibly sets the owner apart from anyone else on the road. You can see it in the eyes of the VIPs who landed up at the launch event, just as much as you can in the eyes of the drivers who see you zip past them. It has scored in that role of being an object of desire.

While it may never really scale the sort of volumes that were talked about in the heyday of the Chinese market, it will still have a huge following from people who can spend upwards of a quarter million dollars on a car. holds the selected cog for as long as possible. The brakes are 400mm ventilated iron discs on the front and 380mm ventilated iron discs on the rear. After some hard use we did manage to push them to a level where they began squealing, but they show a good resistance to fade.

Another very nice feature is the way that the system combines the use of the 360-degree camera coverage with its outboard cameras and the sensors to let you know exactly where the car is in relation with the environment. At slow speeds the display shows you the view of the immediate frontal area (in front of the bumper) so it is useful off-road as well in avoiding rocks and other obstacles.

We have seen the footage of the Bentayga tackling the dunes of the UAE deserts but we chose to avoid anything of the nature this time. We’ll keep an off-road review for a later issue.

The cabin package is certainly tailored towards that end. Along with the electronics, entertainment suit and features like HUD, night vision and the panoramic sunroof, the car gets typical luxury features like stashed refrigerator, matched luggage, unique timepiece and some of the best interior appointments we’ve seen.

In that environment, the only jarring notes are some discordant features on the car like the tiny inside door handles, the overly loud 120 km/h speed warning and some of the trim around the centre console. The gearshift lever also operates on a very familiar Audi pattern, but the actual physical knob is distinctly Bentley. Finally, that is very indicative of the complete picture of the Bentayga, using the best disparate technology available around the group, without reinventing anything. After all there is no business case to make a custom SUV platform just for the Bentayga. This way around, the investment is all in making the best luxury SUV out of some already excellent technology. And it has the right badge.

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SPECIALSTORY Ford SUV and Trucks Event

Ford Middle East organised an event in Jordan around the centenary of the Arab Revolt. But the event also saw the first units of the new Ford Edge in the region Author: Raj Warrior | Photography: Author and Supplied

J

ordan has a reputation for being one of the most interesting countries in the region. It sits in the confluence of a territory that is one of the most squabbled over. This modern Arab state is ruled by a king; while having a thriving democracy.

It also sees itself as one of the focal points of the Arab identity. The state and the tourism board had organised various celebrations connected with the Centenary of the long march undertaken by T.E. Lawrence with his motley army of tribesmen against the Ottoman empire and its outposts through Medina and finally through to Aqaba.

In a masterful stroke of relationship building Ford Middle East tied up with the authorities and used the occasion to get invitees to participate in a recreation of the march through Wadi Rum and onto Aqaba.

“At Ford we are incredibly proud of that we make the best trucks and SUVs in the world and what

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better way to demonstrate the capability and performance of Ford’s trucks and utility vehicles, than recreating the historic march to Aqaba,” said Jim Benintende, president of Ford Middle East and Africa. “T.E. Lawrence and the Arab army rode two months through the desert to take Aqaba by surprise. We’re doing it in only a few hours, with ten-fold more horsepower, off road capability, comfortable seating and storage for all passengers, individual climate controls and a host of other great technologies that make driving enjoyable and easy. Jordan is an incredibly picturesque, safe and historic backdrop in which to showcase our SUV and truck fleet.”

William Dalrymple, famed author and historian, is an expert on T.E. Lawrence and was part of the program. “The conquest of the Aqaba Fort via the desert was one of the most strategic and creative military victories of our time,” said Dalrymple. “It was part of a series of events in World War I that

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created today’s Middle East, and that continues to resonate to this day. Lawrence took great pride in his ability to endure the harshest of conditions for which the Bedouin are famous. I’m thrilled to join Ford in recreating this incredible event -- and even more so to be experiencing it from the comfort and style of a Ford SUV instead of by camelback.”

The event entailed guests joining the team on the shores of the Dead Sea and then driving along highways, hill roads and across the soft shifting sands of Wadi Rum to lunch in the wadi.

From there the group went visiting the Wadi Rum railway station, which is supposed to be the oldest railway station in the Arab world. Here the group split into two with one set of guests travelling on the train while the other drove away in the convoy of SUVs to join the actors who were to play the group of Arab revolutionaries who were enacting the historical attack on the heritage train. This enactment is meant to communicate an important A view of the Dead Sea Below: The mock attack on the heritage train and the Ford convoy on the hill roads in Jordan

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part of Arab history.

After this interlude, the guests got back in the cars and drove down to Aqaba, in a sense reliving the charge that T.E.Lawrence led from the unexpected landward side of the harbour. After some predinner drinks on a boat sailing around the harbour, with views of Aqaba, the Israeli port of Eilat and the distant shores of Egypt’s Sinai peninsula, the group retired to dinner where special invitee and author William Dalrymple presented a synopsis of the background behind the uprising along with an analysis of the various factors that could have changed history during those turbulent times.

The next morning, the invitees then drove all the way to Petra before joining in a trek through the ruins of the stone-bound necropolis that encompasses ancient Nabathean, Greek, Roman and Egyptian civilisation before becoming a lost city and then being rediscovered by western explorers in the 1800s.

Ford Middle East flew in two units especially for the event, purportedly to join the other SUVs in this journey.

We managed an extended session in the Edge before the desert session

T

he 2016 Ford Edge has been completely redesigned. We tested the Lincoln version of the platform in the 2016 MKX and have been quite impressed with that already.

So it wasn’t a completely new creature. In the past decade the Edge has set a distinct identity for itself, with people who are interested in a stylish crossover willing to consider the Edge.

Now, Ford attaches a huge amount of importance to the new model.

“The original Edge was our first entry into the world of

crossover utilities – a technologically advanced vehicle that was the perfect blend of sedan comfort and efficiency with SUV functionality,” said Jim Benintende, president of Ford Middle East and Africa.. “Now, we are building on that success, and building on the emotional appeal of the vehicle by offering more of the technology our customers want in a package that meets the highest expectations for quality and craftsmanship.”

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a greater amount of high-strength steel, in tailored blanks and also incorporates a new suspension layout which retains the MacPherson strut front suspension, while changing the rear to a more dynamic integral-link independent rear suspension with coil springs and an anti-roll bar.

The Edge also gets an expanded engine line-up from this model year, with two new engines joining the 3.5-litre V6 engine.

The familiar powerplant produces 280HP along with a decent torque of 339Nm. But the two new engine choices available will increase the options and the variants available on the Edge. The two new engines are both Ecoboost engines, with the smaller being a four-cylinder 2.0-litre unit with just above 250 HP and a torque of 378Nm, making it an interesting option instead of the 3.5-litre unit. The main features of the engine are its twin scroll layout and tuning that reduces turbo lag. A new, lighter engine block casting along with new aluminum balance shaft assembly reduces three kilos from the engine’s weight.

Other changes include lighter pistons; a newly designed, integrated exhaust manifold; and a new, high-pressure direct-

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injection fuel system for finer fuel atomisation. These upgrades pave the way for an increased compression ratio of 9.7:1, up from 9.3:1, for improved overall fuel efficiency.

The larger Ecoboost is the some 2.7-litre V6 unit that serves as the top of the line option on the MKX. Here too the extra power and torque will make it the peak offering. It generates 338 HP and 542Nm of torque. This engine is reputed to be one of the most technologically advanced units with a combination of a die-cast aluminium structure with the actual cylinder blocks being made of compacted graphite iron (a very hightech version of cast iron). The company claims that this use of materials, with other advanced materials used where needed make the 2.7-litre the equivalent of using a regular V8 engine.

These engines will be offered with AWD and the six-speed automatic transmission complete with paddle shifters. The Edge also becomes the latest vehicle to incorporate active grille shutters to reduce the drag element and increase fuel efficiency.

Driving Impression The Ford Edge not only has become stiffer and more responsive, but even the regular 3.5-litre V6 engine seems have to have been slightly revamped. So you get the pleasure of a smooth take off, reasonably responsive six-speed gearbox and a quick shift AWD system that seems to be tailored for economy. Of course you really qould expect the Edge to give you more of a kick than the Explorer and this it does, although the best is to leave it sport mode and tap away to effect a gone in 60 seconds approach. The car exudes class in the interiors, with a large 8” colour display, streaming Bluetooth and phone mirroring and a large panoramic sunroof.

We drove the car on highway and some tight turning mountain roads and since we left the drive mode in sport, were enjoying the quick response and handling of the engine. In this mode, the gears hold for much longer, almost offering a de facto manual mode and you get the benefits of engine braking.

T

he other SUV that we drove over the period of the first day was the South African made Ford Ranger. The new Ranger has unde\rgone a whole lot of modification, with the intent to make the top of the line version a dualpurpose lifestyle vehicle. Most Rangers will however continue to be completely utilitarian. The two units that were part of the convoy were both kitted out with rolltop loading bay covers and roof rails and offered selectable 4WD from the dashboard-mounted dial.

In terms of styling the pick-up gets a new body kit and a beefed up hood treatment that alludes to a power bulge.

Styling is definitely more macho and the combination of a very outdoorsy styling and increased ground clearance make it look like something you would want to buy.

Some of the Ranger’s specs are worth noting – 230mm ground clearance and 800mm water wading depth. Although

F-150 T

he next day’s driving included the larger pick-up from Ford although all the driving was to be on highway.

So we aren’t really going to comment on the drive capabilities of this flagship product other than to say that the V8engine King Ranch version is still oh so desirable because of the immense torque and power that the engine brings to the platform. It will be a pity if they stop selling it in the region.

Verdict You’ve seen the appeal of the stylish Ford Edge and this generation will build on that.

It is likely that Ford will use the new engine variants to bracket the existing price point so as to appeal to conquest customers, but this vehicle is not going to challenge the Audis and Porsches of the world.

For the rest of us mainstream customers however, it may just be that little bit more interesting than before.

As for the rest of the truck, what can we say but that almost every feature or technology that you want to see in your sedan or SUV is already here.

The very platform had gone through a makeover this time around, shifting to the use of high strength steel while also incorporating large amounts of aluminium to reduce weight. The body is stiffer than before and the NVH levels have dropped drastically. The cabin is quite refined even when you are pushing the truck along,

the sands of the Wadi Rum weren’t likely to need the water wading capabilities, the ground clearance was welcome and so was the 4WD mode that allowed us to sail across the loose sand without ever having to slow down. The Ranger also has generous approach and departure angles at 28 and 25 degrees. Combine this with a very handy variable assisted electric power steering and an electronically lockable rear differential and you can literally plough your way through dunes.

The diesel engines on offer are a 3.2-litre 5-cylinder Duratorq TDCi with 200PS of power and 470Nm of torque and a smaller 2.2-litre four-cylinder Duratorq unit with 150PS of power and 375Nm of torque.

It is also likely that the Ranger will be offered in the region with the Duratec petrol engine of 2.5-litre displacement and a power output of 163PS and 225Nm of torque. Depending on the variant, the gearboxes on offer are either a 5-speed or 6-speed manual or a six-speed automatic.

Ranger

The Ford F-150 also gets a package of features that border on the surprising – with the 360-degree around view cameras and monitor, park assist, LED lighting technology and even a remote tailgate operation from the keyfob. Like on the Edge, occupants get the new inflatable seatbelts and the truck gets knee airbags.

A new 3.5-litre V6 engine (297 PS) with twin independent variable camshaft timing join the proven 3.5-litre EcoBoost (390 PS) and 5.0-litre Ti-VCT V8 (390 PS).

Ford F-150 trucks equipped with EcoBoost engines also will benefit from standard Active Grille Shutters.

Active Grille Shutters stay open when extra engine cooling is needed, such as during low-speed stop-and-go driving or while working in hot weather.

They automatically close to reduce aerodynamic drag at cruising speed.

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2016 Cadillac CT6

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Author: Raj Warrior | Photography: Supplied

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I

f you’ve been tracking Cadillac and its evolution of the model line-up, a few immediate talking points are staring you right in the face. The first would be its extremely edgy design language that has evolved very nicely from that set almost a decade ago. It is all about the refined sharp edge, exquisite light piping and large wheel bays filled with equally large low profile alloy wheels. The other talking point is the manner in which this quintessentially American luxury brand has single-mindedly benchmarked the three German executive sedan manufacturers for almost every new feature that has come in their cars. From the big move towards rear-wheel drive as the preferred drivetrain layout, to the immense leap ahead in drive dynamics and handling and the equally huge steps that characterise the cabin quality, Cadillac has been all about taking the game to the Germans.

The previous model that pushed this envelope had to be the CTS. It was the first real development of the rear-wheel drive architecture and culminated in the almost insane delights of the CTS-V. While this began on the Sigma platform, later graduating to the Sigma II, the current generation of the car uses the brand new rear-wheel drive Alpha platform that not only accommodates the smaller ATS but also underpins the 2016 Camaro. But for all its adaptability, it was seen as being limited to the category and thus we see the CT6 coming to life on the brand new Omega platform, again rear-wheel drive but better suited to the larger dimensions of the new flagship. While Cadillac officials say that there could be a larger car to join the line-up, current indications are sketchy.

So what’s special about the new CT6 and its new larger platform?

For starters, despite the car being larger than the XTS that it replaces, it is much lighter. It’s also lighter than the CTS. This has been achieved by a generous use of aluminium along with high strength steel across the body. The presentation we were given highlighted that teams were encouraged to use the best material for their assigned areas of the body, thus resulting in a hybrid construction that maximised strength while keeping weight down. In some areas, the body even uses high-pressure aluminium castings instead of formed sheet metal. The company points out that 11 different materials are used on the body.

The light body has been formed into a rather beguiling interpretation of the current Cadillac design language. Due to its broader fascia, the combination of trapezoidal grille and LED headlamps has more room to evolve. Of course the LED piping and the taillights are very signature of the marque, although now the car seems closer to some of the concepts with the low front overhang, a modicum of extra rear overhang and a fairly large wheelbase.

The presentation also dwelled on the three pillars of the CT6 development – agility, indulgence and connectivity. We will touch on the particulars of each of these pillars later and how they set the car apart in the premium E-segment.

Moving on into the interiors, the car has a nice mix of high quality leather trims, soft-touch plastics, with a significantly different treatment of the cabin space. The large 10.2” central display serves as the homepage of the CUE generation II interface. This time around the systems pairs seamlessly with Apple’s CarPlay as well as integrating Android Auto. The driver meanwhile gets a hybrid digital display that offers a large area between two facing crescents – a space that is large enough to offer truly customised display choices including a tachometer, speedometer and fuel

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Brakes & Wheels Front 345mm vented with FNC# rotors Rear 315mm vented, with FNC# rotors Wheels 20”x8.5:, 19”x8.5” Tyres 245/40R20, 245/45R19 # FNC Ferritic Nitro Carburized

The CT6 brings every trick to the table – lightweight body, very powerful and responsive turbo engines, dynamic chassis and intelligent control, plus the advantage of magnetic ride.

You cannot ignore it

Transmission

Engine

Hydra-Matic 8L90 paddle-shift 8-speed Hydra-Matic 8L45 paddle-shift 8-speed

Twin-Turbo 3.0L DI VVT Power 404 bhp @ 5700 rpm Torque 542 Nm @2500-5100 rpm 3.6L V-6 DI VVT Power 335 bhp @ 6200 rpm Torque 385 Nm @5300 rpm

Suspension Front high-arm, multilink SLA with direct-acting stabilizer bar Rear five-link Independent with fully isolated subframe and hydraulic mounts, Springs and Dampers coil-over twin-tube shocks; available Magnetic Ride Control JUN 2016

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and temperature gauges with the central portion also doubling up as the night vision screen when engaged. While the speedometer is visible, the parts on the left and right of these are independently used to offer system and drive related information (on the left) as well as all phone and entertainment related choices on the right.

Once you pair in the mobile phone you can set up a wireless hotspot and using this you can network content delivery to other occupants of your car as well as stream content to the system. Two independent rear screens rise out from the rear of the two seats to let the rear seat occupants get either common or independent content, including internet.

The comfort levels of the interior are definitely class challenging. LED recessed lights provide ambient lighting and you can select the colour from the dashboard.

The seats are heated and ventilated with the heating elements are now woven into the seat. Additionally the seats offer five different massage programs and HDMI and USB connectivity all around. The fourzone air-conditioning is powered by two HVAC units.

The oddest new feature that you will come across here is the inside rear-view mirror that also serves as a screen for streaming video from a rear facing camera. This is a rather high-resolution display that seeks to circumvent the limited view that the mirror normally offers through the rear headrests and the rear sunshade. The catch is that while the image itself is very clear, the image itself has almost no depth of field, lacking a stereoscopic depth. So you aren’t actually looking at a distant object anymore in the mirror, your eyes are focusing on the mirror itself. We can’t see that getting too popular with the middle aged and older customers who have horrible reading vision. Thankfully, this feature can be switched off and the mirror behaves exactly like an auto dimming polarised mirror would in normal circumstances.

The car gets cameras all around as well, allowing you to switch between view modes that offer close quarters view of the surrounding shrubbery to an eagle’s eye view of the car extrapolated from the mirror level cameras. This, combined with sensors around the car allows the car to offer automated parking as well as rear cross traffic warning. And yes the

automated cruise control is evolved to a level, where the CT6 offers a degree of driver automation, with lane following, convoy mode and automatic distance control right to complete braking to a halt.

The other piece of standout kit is the provision of the 34-speaker Bose Panaray sound system, with a tweeter array peeking out from the top of the dashboard and surround sound built around the four independent seats. The Panaray is designed to offer a theatre like array of sound banks, taking care of sound delivery through the cabin. It is only as good as the sounds you choose however although the system does compensate for compressed files. But don’t expect FM radio to sound a whole lot better.

The interface for the CUE system offers a trackpad that takes scrawled input, giving you haptic feedback as well as allowing touch screen input and voice control.

On the other hand Cadillac also features heads up display as standard and this is a laser-fired unit that uses the windshield as a display.

Coming back to the agility of the car, the main features that the car brings in are two choices of engine, one the tried and tested 3.6-litre V6 unit and the other an all-new 3.0-litre twin turbo V6. The former is rated at 335hp and a torque of 385Nm, while the latter offers 404 horsepower with a more decisive torque figure of 542Nm. Of course that is to be expected from the twin turbo unit that redlines at 6500rpm. Both of these engines are coupled to eight-speed Hydramatic gearboxes, although they are differently rated – the former is the 8L45 unit while the latter is the 8L90 unit to handle all the extra torque.

Additionally, the car gets AWD as standard and also features active rearwheel steering with up to 4-degree of movement. Today’s systems are a lot more reliable than the old mechanically linked units, but this one is excellent.

It steers contrary to the front wheel in very slow speeds reducing the turn circle significantly, while at higher speeds it turns in the same direction to allow for slides across lanes.

So here we have a whole lot of dynamics to account for, with electric power steering that has variable assist, variable assisted wheel movement, a fine control on torque delivery through the AWD

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Some of the technologies you really need to look out for are the high res display mirror, the Bose Panaray speaker system (all 34-speakers deep), heads-up display and night vision, with the ability to highlight warm bodies. The new turbocharged engine is also a great must buy. The indicative prices on the car place it between 235,000 dirhams and 290,000 dirhams.

system that remains rear-wheel drive biased (shifting between an ideal 20-80 ratio to 0-100 as you coast along, to a full 50-50 when needed). The car offers three drive modes – Normal, Comfort and Sport as well as allowing for slippery conditions. And then you get the advantage of Cadillac’s Magnetic Ride Control technology that offers light speed response modulation by its very nature.

However, considering that the car is a modern day Cadillac, it also offers cylinder deactivation, converting the engine to a four-cylinder unit as and when the car is in a no load condition.

Driving Impressions While most of our driving was on regular Abu Dhabi roads, we did get more than a hint of the car’s performance. Our chosen mount had the twin-turbo unit and responded to the pedal with a sense

of urgency. You get a fair bit of kick out of the high torque engine, while the AWD takes care of the homework of actually delivering it sensibly to the wheels.

Gearshift is quick and imperceptible, with extremely quick shifts masked by efficient power management. You can opt for full manual control should you chose but that hardly comes about on the road – the system offers a de facto ability to paddle your way through D mode and just putting the shifter in S changes shift patterns and holds gears for significantly longer. And you can feel both the active steering and the magnetic ride control come into their own on the curves. The car handles almost as well as the CTS does despite being larger and in the process does it all with far less noise and judder.

Verdict In the region, the CT6 is stacked against the traditional E-segment bruisers like

the A6, E-class and the 5-series; especially the higher powered ones. However, Cadillac tells us that in the United States the competition is the shorter wheelbase stable above this segment, the A8, S-class and the 7-series. But they are ready to admit that this may not be valid here due to the product mix that is normally offered. However, even considering its E-segment competition, the CT6 offers a better price point when measured feature for feature and serves up a compelling case to get potential owners behind the wheel for a test drive. That is the main reason, we think that the CT6 will make the sort of inroads that the CTS has similarly made against the lower power versions of the E-segment. It is not an immediately winnable game, since very often the badge dictates the final buying decision, but Cadillac is playing a long game here. The CT6 is here to redefine the American competition and it comes fully equipped to do just that.

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2016 Haval H9

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Chinese carmaker Great Wall has a clear agenda of a leadership role in the SUV and pick-up market in China and it is using its upmarket Haval brand to position it similarly in global markets. We test the new Haval H9 SUV and find it an eyeopener Author: Raj Warrior | Photography: Elvis John Ferrao

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hinese cars, so far, have been getting a lot of bad press. Of course there is a mindset around them – they are cheap, built to a cost, usually put together in a very shabby manner and often have no safety credentials whatsoever. But another common refrain that we hear is of how the Chinese market is booming, evolving into the single largest market for automobiles and with every global manufacturer having set up shop in the country. Like anywhere else, the Chinese consumer looks for quality and pays for it in the foreign brands (albeit locally made) that he or she buys. And that’s something that the local industry realises is a goldmine.

We visited the Baoding factory of Great Wall Motors a few years ago, at a time that they first entered Oman with their pick-up trucks. The Wingle was trying to get the attention of small businessmen and they had just finalised plans to bring their Hover SUV built on the same platform. Seen in hindsight, both of these models were work in progress models, quite adequate for the fledgling global aspirations of the company. But even then we knew that something was bound to change. For they showed us the level of automisation that the plant had achieved, spoke with pride of the number of German and

Japanese machines and robots they had on the line and how they were investing millions in R&D, design and product development. They were busy scouting out talent from around the world to take them to the next level and it seems that all that effort has borne fruit.

For someone has been doing his or her homework. The local importer launched the Haval brand in Oman a couple of months back and the initial line-up of four crossovers and SUVs had one thing in common – they looked classy. All the way up the size band, from the H2, H6, H8 and H9 the Haval stable looks like something you would be seeing in a modern Korean or Japanese manufacturers showroom.

So we had a mission to check out the H9, something we had promised ourselves at the launch.

Positioned at the very top of Haval’s line-up, the Haval H9 has some of the characteristics that so typified Chinese vehicles till now. You would think that it was made through Toyota collaboration – with very Prado like proportions and more than a hint around the panel work. But to be fair, the brand has steered clear of trying to clone the Prado.

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The Haval H9 manages to communicate quality, refinement and a sense of solid engineering, although its me-too looks say otherwise. We think that the product shows promise – can the brand build on it?

Engine

Transmission

GW4C20 2.0 direct injection, turbocharged Power 215 bhp @ 5500 rpm Torque 324 Nm @2000-4000 rpm

ZF 6-speed automatic with paddle shift and terrain controller

Suspension Front double-wishbone Rear multi-link semi-independent with coil springs,

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the grille actually looking like something that Chrysler would have offered and the taillights extending up the D-pillars.

External styling cues are based around giving the car a rugged mien and that accounts for the solid bumper treatment, the running board and the rear skid plate. As for the general profile, that’s where the similarity to the Prado really comes through, although the Hoffmeister kink at the D-pillar is actually more reminiscent of the Land cruiser itself.

The car’s even got the obligatory styled air intakes on the fenders as well as nicely done rising shoulderline that breaks the monotony of the doors. The rear access door opens sideways in the fashion first made popular by Japanese SUVs, although here it is without the split door that is now associated with the feature. If you look again, you’ll notice that the door opens towards the right, meaning that it’s the wrong direction for kerbside loading and unloading in lefthand drive markets. In the best of SUV tradition the door is provided with a multi-stop support damper that allows you to lock it open, very useful on off-road slopes should you want to do some camping or maintenance.

The insides are more original in their layout and are witness to some dedicated design work. Nice clean lines, soft-touch plastics, brushed aluminium and dark contrast inlays as well as quality leatherette with stitched door panel appliques move the cabin into a premium category.

We were also very impressed with the IP binnacle and the dashboard layout. It uses conservative design techniques that are very pleasing and will remain current through the years.

The twin ovals of the speedo and tach flank a small info panel,

while the large touchscreen feels so much like a tablet stuck away behind the dashboard. The steering wheel is also well thought out, with backlighting for the various controls and a paddle shifter, which we found quite useful considering that the car is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine.

Coming back to the central display, it is linked to the usual clutch of Android based applications that have characterised do-it-yourself consoles for the past couple of years – it ties in with the rear camera and takes a feed from the steering angle to offer dynamic markers and it has a park assist feature. However don’t expect the car to park itself – the park assist is in the form of a voice that is supposed to guide you through the procedure. You are better off just listening to the proximity sensors beep away.

The touch points of the steering wheel and gearshift lever are quite nicely done and you find the lever to be quite sensibly proportioned as well. The six-speed ZF gearbox offers tiptronic function and can be manually overridden either from the lever itself or from the paddles. The catch is that you actually have to shift the lever over to manual mode before that is available.

Let’s not forget that the Haval H9 also features a terrain control system linked to a rotary dial on the centre console.

You can opt to leave it in Auto or choose either of the road modes (sport and snow) or dial in any of the off-road modes.

It also allows you to engage the low gear range through the dial. If you scroll through the vehicle information panel on the centre screen you can see the torque delivery change as well JUN 2016

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Haval’s choice of the 2.0-litre turbocharged direct injection engine is well thought out considering its home market. In the region, however it has to compete with larger displacement. The unit is extremely capable.

The H9 features detailed vehicle information on its central display, including the ability to view torque delivery ratios. The intelligent terrain assist works, though we didn’t try it in sand.

Of course the H9 is more than just about utility – soft high quality leatherette, amtches features like capacitive switches, variable mood lighting and a console top clean-air unit that must have been as a result of Beijing’s air pollution.

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as how and when the axles come into play as you change your way through the dial.

The engine, as we mentioned previously, is a four-cylinder 2.0-litre dual-VVT direct injection turbocharged unit that is rated at 215bhp @ 5500rpm and offers a torque of 324Nm all through the mid-range. In the nature of a smaller powerpack asked to do big things, the engine allows you to thrash it when required, spooling up very nicely while slipping back into eco mode when you are coasting along.

Haval make a great deal of the H9 positioning and even though the car we tested didn’t come with the super luxury package that they offer in China – with rear screens, ventilated and heated seats and the like, there is no doubt that the car as offered has one of the best interiors in its price segment. Quite simply, in a blind badge test you would have mistaken the interiors as having come from a Japanese brand.

Driving Impressions We will admit that we began the test with an expectation of finding fault. But that didn’t happen. Even the engine didn’t let us down. Yes, you know that it’s only

2.0-litres and we’re sure that in some really extreme situations you would ask for more, but the combination of the drive modes, the low range and the decent levels of torque, we needn’t have worried.

semi-independent layout with a rigid axle on springs and frankly this load hauling arrangement is very welcome on the trail.

In some ways, it’s a pleasure to be back in a body on frame vehicle. You realise that it is better equipped to handle bad terrain even as you hit the first rocky patch. The body does roll a bit but doesn’t cause any worry. The suspension tuning is spot on, we drove over rough ground at speeds and were amazed at the almost perfect balance between its ability to soak up the ruts and still offer a firm ride and quick handling response. This speaks of quality tuning since the car doesn’t have any gimmicky suspension add-ons to sort out handling, Steering feel is accurate and while the wheel does tend to feel softer than you would expect, aiming your wheels at a gap in the rocks and winding your way down a trail is never in doubt.

The Haval H9 is a rather surprising package. If you would car to think of it in terms of the existing market segment, then it comes in as a good midsize to large SUV with the performance to boot. It has the initial quality to match competition, although we believe it will still take some years and dedicated delivery of reliable and quality product for Haval to match the appeal of either the Mitsubishi Pajero or the Toyota Prado. What it does have going for it is a level of competitive pricing against the latter – we understand that you should be able to pick of the Haval H9 for below twelve thousand rials. The Mitsubishi Pajero is in the general bracket and does have the advantage of a known product, but in most other cases you’ll basically be getting a fancy crossover.

Ground clearance is more than adequate although the space available under the body is more than that afforded by the bumper itself. And wheel travel is quite adequate – you only have to look at the wheel bays to see how much the springs will soak up. The rear suspension is a

Verdict

We guess you’ll consider buying the Haval H9 if you are above the comfort of moving with the herd. You’ll get some sniggers from friends if you opt for the H9 but a session out in the countryside should mute that.

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FIRSTDRIVE 2016 Nissan Navara

The new Nissan Navara is tasked with growing Nissan’s share of the light duty pick-up segment. While the Navara looks better, does it play out the performance game?

Author: Gautam Sharma | Photography: Supplied

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issan introduced the Datsun 12 – its first small commercial vehicle – way back in 1933, yet it’s Toyota’s robust Hilux that has owned the lion’s share of the pick-up segment in the region since it debuted in 1968. The stats say it all – the Hilux has managed to corner a monstrous 75 per cent of the market in the GCC, while Nissan’s existing Navara and Pickup account for just 12 per cent of the segment between them.

Nissan aims to at least partly remedy this via its new NP300 Navara line-up, which replaces not only the old Navara, but also the Pickup. Helping in its task of fulfilling its twin-pronged role is the fact that it’s offered in Narrow Body and Wide Body formats, with the former targeted at the fleet/commercial sector, and the latter at retail buyers who’d contemplate purchasing it as a recreational vehicle that’s also fit for the daily grind.

It’s pretty much the same strategy that Ford has adopted with its latest Ranger, which comprises both utilitarian workhorses and the bells-and-whistles Wildtrack range-topper that’s pitched at customers who might otherwise have opted for a full-size pickup such as a Ram 1500 or Ford F-150.

Pricing is a relatively strong suit of the new NP300 Navara range, with the entry-level Narrow Body model kicking off at a sharp $18,232. There are four more spec levels above it, with the fully loaded version pegged at $22,160.

The Wide Body range starts with the $22,453 SE, with the fully equipped LE topping out at $27,967.

The range-topper comes with goodies such as push-button start, cruise control, Bluetooth, electric folding mirrors, intelligent key, five-inch LCD display screen, daytime running lights, LED front lamps, dual58

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zone climate control, leather steering wheel, rearview camera, 16-inch alloys, side steps, limited-slip differential, Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist.

All models (barring the 4WD-only Wide Body flagship) are offered in 2WD and 4WD guises, with latter versions also gaining a differential lock and traction control. A six-speed manual is standard (whereas five-speeders are the norm in its rivals) and, in what is another first for the LCV segment, the NP300 Navara is also available with a seven-speed automatic.

There are two powertrain choices. The vast majority of Navaras sold in our region will be equipped with a 2.5-litre petrol unit that puts out 168hp and 244Nm, but there’s also the option of a 2.5-litre turbodiesel that generates 161hp and a beefy 403Nm of torque.

The NP300 Navara is available in King Cab and Dual Cab configurations, but it’s a fact that 80 per cent of buyers in the GCC opt for the latter.

Nissan execs have high hopes of the new Navara, bullishly predicting a 41 per cent increase in sales over the outgoing Navara and Pickup. One of the key improvements, according to them, is a strengthened fully boxed frame chassis designed to address the public perception that the old model lacked durability. There’s also a new rigid-leaf rear suspension that’s claimed to be more robust than before, as well as allegedly improving ride comfort and handling.

The NP300 Navara has a payload of one tonne and a claimed towing capacity of 3500kg, but it’s only the former measure that’s really relevant to our market as users/owners of pick-ups such as these don’t use them for towing duties around here.

One of the key reasons why the Hilux has a

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Engine 2.5-litre Petrol Engine Power 168 bhp Torque 244 Nm 2.5-litre Diesel Engine Power 161 bhp Torque 403 Nm

Transmission FS6R31A, 6-speed manual HG-A� 7-speed Automatic

Brakes & Wheels Front 296mm Vented Disc Rear 295mm Drum Wheels 16 x 6.0J (55), 18 x 7.0J (45) Tyres 205 R16C 255/70 R16 255/60 R18

Suspension Front Double wishbone with coil over strut Rear Rigid leaf spring, Frame type Ladder type 60

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stranglehold on the pick-up segment is the overall economy of the ownership experience, but Nissan claims to have gone one better with the new Navara, boasting of unmatched fuel efficiency and the lowest maintenance costs for its class.

Only time will tell if these claims have any foundation.

Our maiden drive of the vehicle took place mainly in the Pyrenees mountain region of northern Spain, with our route taking us across freeways, country roads and extended gravel sections – ostensibly to demonstrate its all-terrain prowess.

Unfortunately, only the 2.5-litre petrol versions were on hand to sample, but this is the motor that is in any case more relevant to our market. We initially mounted up in a basic-spec Narrow Body model with the six-speed manual transmission.

Driving Impressions First impressions were that this felt purely like a pick-up (and not car-like in any way).

The steering has enough free play that you could rotate it 10 degrees in either direction without any tangible change in the vehicle’s trajectory. The six-speed manual also has long throws, so there was no prospect of wrist-flicking the gearbox

from one cog to the next. At the end of the day, though, this is a commercial vehicle, so neither of these gripes would be deal breakers for its intended audience.

However, what could deter some buyers is the petrol motor’s lack of torque. Nissan may well boast that the NP300 Navara is equipped with the most powerful engine in its class, but the reality feels anything but. We suspect the diesel would be a lot better but, as mentioned earlier, there weren’t any of these to sample at the launch.

After a brief halt, we switched to a fully kitted out Wide Body model with cruise control, better seats, a seven-speed automatic and a host of other mod-cons.

This variant immediately felt far better to drive – the steering seemed more direct (we’re not sure why), the vehicle seemed better planted (wider and grippier tyres would be largely responsible for this) and it was just a more relaxing mode of transport overall. No surprises here, given that it was positioned at the opposite end of the NP300 pecking order.

The ‘off-road’ sections of the drive program were a slight misnomer as there wasn’t even one occasion where the vehicle needed to be switched into 4WD (there’s a rotary dial on the dashboard

that enables you to do this), let alone the diff lock engaged. Suffice to say, the Navara waltzed across it all, so based on this inconclusive drive, it appears to be fairly capable in rough terrain.

If there’s one area where the NP300 Navara scores handsomely over the Hilux, it’s in the visual department (not that this is such a key consideration for commercial/ fleet owners). Its sleek nose with sweptback headlights is a far more appealing proposition than the somewhat frumpy looking Hilux’s bluff beak. The Wide Body Navara looks particularly good with its flared wheel arches, 16-inch alloys and side steps, so it could conceivably find a niche among retail buyers.

Verdict However, the acid test for the NP300 Navara will come in the hands of the end users. If they find the vehicle is able to withstand the wear and tear of daily duties without costing them more than a Hilux to operate, then its prospects appear bright.

Either way, it appears to be enough of an improvement over the oldie to deliver at least some of the 41 per cent increase in sales that Nissan is targeting.

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FIRSTDRIVE 2016Hyundai Elantra

The C-segment is among the most fought over in the region and Hyundai has managed to make a mark with the Elantra. We drove the car during its early launch in the region. Does it have enough in the refresh to continue its challenge?

Author: Raj Warrior | Photography: Supplied

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oth of the Korean brands in town seem to be doing exactly the same thing with a large number of models. Apparently the eagerness to replace a model platform with something completely new has tapered-off to building on the existing strengths of the platform, while using new manufacturing technology and materials to achieve better stiffness and reduced weight.

And we are certain that there is a bit of commercial benefit being realised too, but are we being too harsh there? The Elantra is now in its sixth generation and this year the switch over between the MD to the new AD platform brings with it a significant declaration of the newfound values of targeted use of high-strength steel and reduction of weight. Apparently more than half of the underlying structure is now composed of high strength steel.

The entire redesign process gives you the feeling that there is a degree of prioritisation at work here. Why waste time changing a successful formula? So we get a car that has had major changes in the fascia, both front and rear, slightly more of a wheelbase and better sculpted interior utilisation that offers more legroom.

However, you would don’t need to look at the badge to identify the new Elantra.

The major design changes include a redesigned grille with a larger, more pronounced hexagonal shape and the foglights have been shifted to the flanking black inserts at the extreme of the bumper. The rear has similarly changed to incorporate a more horizontal treatment of the taillamps, now available with LED elements, the lamps come in to the number plate area, serving to clearly define the logo and giving the tail a wider stance.

Although Hyundai claims the car continues with the fluidic sculpture treatment of the previous generation, its use of the curved form seems to have been toned down.

In fact the new car shares a lot in terms of visual treatment with the US-specific coupe version that came out in 2013. But the new lines look cleaner and more in tune with the increasingly dynamic drive of the car.

The interiors of the new Hyundai Elantra have been change to a far greater degree.

Now the dashboard treatment is very driver-specific. It is laid out in a manner where the centre display and console look almost shifted towards the driver, largely because of the strake that loops over the display and its flanking a/c ducts without any visual continuity from the rising centre console. The design of the binnacle and steering wheel area stays in character, with clean black on white instrumentation with variable backlighting and the by now expected selectable steering assist levels.

For a change, the Hyundai Elantra offers a very slim entertainment control and a more robust air-conditioning panel. The air-conditioning combines the usual layout along with a HEPA filter panel that delivers dust-free and pollen-free air. Additional controls available on the centre console include seat ventilation and cooling controls as well as the drive mode toggle.

Cabin room has improved to a reasonable degree, with special emphasis on the rear area. Legroom is better and the seats are nicely sculpted with a slightly softer squab even in the rear. The lower back now tends to nestle in with the seat shape.

Back in the front the car is offered with power seats in some grades and these seats have also received a reshaping of the back support cushions, While there is no JUN 2016

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The Elantra gets two choices of 4-cylinder DOHC engines, a 1.6 and 2.0-litre unit. The seats and interior cabin space have become more refined and long drives aren’t as tiring as before.

The large central display pairs up with various conveniences including the potential to have a wireless charging unit for your phone.

Hands-free boot opening, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic assist are all availble at the top of the line.

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attempt at feeling sporty, the seats are a bit snugger while being more forgiving.

The console has also received an upgrade to make it useful for today’s buyer. The car gets the ability to link up with the user’s iPhone or Android Phone through CarPlay and Android Auto, although the apps that show up are limited by the phone’s operating system. In addition, at the top of the line the car gets an Infinity speaker package.

The Elantra is launched in the Middle East and Africa region with a choice of two engines, both being four-cylinder MPI engines, a smaller 1.6-litre and the larger 2.0-litre. Both of these engines are stalwarts of the Hyundai stable; the smaller engine is part of the Gamma family of engines, while the 2.0-litre is part of the Nu series. Power and torque ratings of the base engine are 126bhp and 155Nm of torque while the larger engine offers 154HP and 195Nm of torque. Both of these engines are mated with a sixspeed automatic gearbox with a tiptronic function.

Driving Impressions The compact Elantra isn’t really known for its excellent drive dynamics. But this generation does manage to change that

feel a bit. The engineers seem to have paid attention to suspension tuning and the electric power steering has definitely enjoyed an evolution from the early editions on Hyundai cars of the past few years. While the comfort setting still makes for a very overly assisted steering, the Sport mode tightens up the feedback to an appreciable degree although there is still some deadness around the centre.

The car’s improved NVH levels are very apparent in the cabin, where we had to remind ourselves that the engine was switched on.

The driver will also appreciate having some fancy safety gadgetry – blind spot detection, lane change assist and rear cross traffic alert are part of the package although we aren’t really sure of whether any or all of these would be offered in the Oman market. And the car also gets handsfree boot opening (by swinging your foot below the rear bumper while you have the key in your pocket). Again, it may only be available on the top variant.

With the move to a six-speed transmission, the car gets much smoother on its ramp up through the speedometer. There is just a bit of howl around the second gear before the remaining click through smoothly and the Sport mode allows

the gears to hold for just that couple of heartbeats longer, very useful when using engine braking on a downhill slope. While the 1.6-litre unit is adequate, if can afford it please do go for the 2.0-litre just for the extra torque available. It isn’t as if you are going to win any races with the car, but take off at roundabouts and the climb up Wadi Kabir will be that little bit easier. And the gearbox then tends to compensate earlier up the rev band to go for a more fuel-efficient drive.

Handling around a corner is decent, with a more European feel, but that can be attributed to both the stiffer body as well as the rejig of the suspension components and the steering feel. The larger wheels and tyres on the 2.0-litre also result in a planted feel. Braking is adequate.

Verdict The 2016 Hyundai Elantra may be a full revamp, but it isn’t pushing for new territory. What it does is reinforce the position of the model in the C-segment while packaging a whole lot of new tech to keep it current for the foreseeable future.

After all, a broad swathe of Oman’s middle class now swears by the values of the brand..

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PREVIEW Ferrari 458MM Speciale

Ferrari has unveiled its latest one-off creation during the car’s first shakedown on the Fiorano circuit in the hands of Ferrari’s chief test driver Dario Benuzzi Designed in-house by the Ferrari Styling Centre, the Ferrari 458 MM Speciale was built on the chassis and running gear of the 458 Speciale. Stylistically, the client was looking for extremely sporty lines and specified a ‘visor’ effect for the glasshouse: a black-painted A-pillar, very much in the style of the 1984 Ferrari GTO, helps provide a wraparound solution between the windscreen and side windows which thus meld into single, seamless glass surface. This solution simultaneously lowers the roofline and

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lends an aerodynamic sleekness to the full volume of the swept-back C-pillar.

Finished in Bianco Italia and complete with a livery that pays homage to the Italian flag, this unique coupé features all-new bodywork, handcrafted in aluminium with composite carbon-fibre bumpers front and rear. The Ferrari 458 MM Speciale also boasts a new side air scoop, one of the most distinctive elements in an extensive revision of the aerodynamic package.

The radically modified aerodynamic solutions are already evident on the front

of the car, where the bodywork hugs the coolant radiators which are more steeply inclined and mounted closer together than on the 458 Speciale. The side intakes were devised to allow direct additional cooling of the engine bay to compensate for the different rake of the rear. The tail features a spoiler which balances the downforce evenly and also completes the theoretical waistline that sweeps back along the side from the front wheelarch, giving the car a powerful and athletic stance.

The Ferrari 458 MM Speciale sits on

specific wheels exclusive to this creation, and an additional touch is the adoption of modified front and rear light clusters. Inside the cockpit upgrades include to an enhanced audio system and trim definition to match the owner’s specific wishes. The Cioccolato leather upholstery with white stitching is elegantly accented by a slew of neat touches such as the satin white rings around the tunnel controls.

Author: Chandan B Mallik

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PREVIEW MINI Seven

MINI is banking on a wave of special editions with the retro inspired Seven Author: Chandan B Mallik

Although MINI is more positioned as a premium lifestyle brand now after BMW Group takeover, the brand takes a lot of its current inspiration from its chequered past. The latest Seven presentation is actually named after the original Austin Seven – one of the two original Mini models, alongside the Morris Mini Minor.

It is also the first of its kind for the thirdgeneration Hardtop and the new style pack is available on both the two- and four-door and the Cooper and Cooper S models. But where past Mini special editions have been largely homogenous, the new Seven has a surprising array of options, especially as it relates to colours and upholsteries and bespoke workmanship. The MINI 5-door is presented as an innovative vehicle concept with wheelbase extended 68

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by 72mm, third seat at the rear with generous legroom, headroom and luggage compartment volume for the segment.

Four different paint schemes – Lapisluxury Blue [shown above], Pepper White, Midnight Black, and British Racing Green are offered and options for the cabin, where owners can select the Sevenspecific Diamond Malt Brown fabric/ leather upholstery, or they can go with straight leather in Cross Punch Carbon Black, Lounge Satellite Grey, or MINI Yours Lounge Carbon Black. There are four dash trim options, too, with standard Piano Black, and optional Dark Cottonwood, Fibre Alloy, and Off-White. Below the trim strip, owners can choose either a Malt Brown colour line or Carbon Black.

Heated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, Comfort Access, a Harmon/Kardon stereo,

park-distance control, power-folding, auto-dimming mirrors, and a 6.5-inch Mini Connected system are all standard features as part of the Seven package and so are the 17in two-tone alloys.

The designer model will be launched with four engine variants as the MINI 3-door Seven [combined fuel consumption: 5.7 - 3.5 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 133 - 92 g/km] and the MINI 5-door Seven [combined fuel consumption: 5.9 - 3.6 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 136 - 95 g/km]; output range from 85 kW/116 hp to 141 kW/192 hp.

Suspension technology is model-specific and there are optional sports suspension and Dynamic Camper Control packages, body and suspension in weight-optimised design and with optimised stiffness for agile and secure driving properties.

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CONCEPTUAL BMW 2002 Hommage

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For the 2016 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este event, BMW Group created a very special car to pay tribute to one of the most significant models in its history Author: Chandan B Mallik

The 2002 is one of BMW’s most famous automobile models. It was a two-door sports sedan based on the four-door 1600, and cemented the company’s reputation for compact sporting sedans. The 2002 was the forerunner of the BMW 3 Series. It was produced from 1968 to 1976. The 2002 sat at the top of the range and was the first series-produced car anywhere in Europe to come with turbo technology. That set the seal on the coupe as a genuine sports car. At the same time, the 2002 turbo was at the technological vanguard of engine development at BMW. And the BMW 2002 Hommage celebrates the extraordinary feats of engineering behind the BMW 2002 turbo and re-imagines them as a design study.

The car features a sporting silhouette with its compact proportions, long wheelbase, short overhangs and prominent shark nose. Several design features incorporated in the concept are directly inspired by the original 2002 and key among them is the signature chrome strip.

Modern design elements includes a horizontal carbon band wraps itself around the waistline that splits the body visually into separate sections. The car’s body’s lines are minimalist and flowing in nature. The lower section creates a definite contrast, with its high-gloss paintwork, very bold, sculptural surfaces, and distinctive lines that infuse the flanks with a contemporary flavour and draw the eye to the driven rear wheels. A particularly striking feature of the car’s mudguards which are voluminously moulded wheel arches to help accommodate a significantly wider track and large 20in alloy wheels.

Functional aerodynamic features include the large spoilers at the front and rear.

Air intakes are also designed to optimise airflow around the car and maximise downforce in every driving situation. A carbon diffuser integrates two sets of twin exhaust tailpipes and wraps up the rear styling with a sporting flourish.

The front end is framed visually by the prominent wheel arches. In its lines and form, the bonnet references the “spear” contour stretching down the centre of the 02 models that swells slightly into a surround for the BMW logo as it approaches the kidney grille. Like the BMW 2002, the BMW 2002 Hommage also has two single headlights bordered by reflectors and the turn signal repeaters are located separately from the headlights and embedded into a full-width strip [in carbon on the Hommage car] above them. The large front apron is a stylistic nod to those models of the 1970s. The BMW Motorsport livery of the front apron and its “turbo” lettering in mirror writing casts the mind back to the original decals of the 2002 turbo.

Meanwhile, the rear-end design of the car also calls on elements of the 2002 turbo.

The form of the rear lights is inspired by the same historical blueprint and the almost rectangular lights provide a stylistic border for the rear end. The glass covers have a contemporary black-panel look and only offer a view of the inner workings when the lights illuminate. All you can see when they are dormant is an unbroken black surface.

As at the front of the car, this strengthens the impression of a strip wrapped around the car. The BMW logo to the right of the license plate between the two rear lights is likewise a characteristic element of 02 rear styling. No mechanical details have been released.

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CONCEPTUAL Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato

Author: Chandan B Mallik

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arking the fifth collaborative car design venture between Aston Martin and Zagato in over five decades, the visually striking Vanquish Zagato Concept showcased last month combines Aston Martin’s engineering and material management with Zagato’s signature design language. The first collaboration between the two parties was the DB4 GT Zagato in 1960. This specific car maintains its status as iconic car and is a regular fixture on many an

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“all-time most beautiful cars” list.

For the Vanquish Zagato Concept, the Aston Martin Design team was led by Marek Reichman and Andrea Zagato in Milan. The car was developed and engineered at Aston’s HQ in Gaydon, England.

The concept features proportions that remain quintessentially Aston Martin and emphasises a dynamic, forward-looking stance. The body is made of carbon fibre with the split lines on the body reduced

by the use of large one-piece panels. New lights include round tail light reflectors that evoke the classic rear view of a Zagato design, incorporating the same ‘bladed’ LED technology as the Vulcan track-only supercar.

Referencing elements of the brand’s contemporary design language, Vanquish Zagato Concept features One-77 inspired wing mirrors and a sculptural rear end similar to DB11’s aerodynamic profile, complete with retractable spoiler and

The latest creation from their long-standing partnership between Italian design-house Zagato and Aston Martin is the Vanquish Zagato Concept.

Global debut of the car took place at Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este at Lake Como in Italy last month rear hatch for access to the luggage compartment. A quad-exhaust nestles in the rippling carbon fibre sills that run around the lower body, creating a pronounced line from front to rear. The concept’s glasshouse wraps around the bodywork like a visor, enhancing its aggressive stance. A new evolution of the classic side strake runs from wheel arch to door just like the new DB11 and a detail originally showcased on the celebratory CC-100. A sharp crease on the rear wheel

arch transforms into the rear flanks, where it meets the cascading roofline.

The roof features the ‘double-bubble’ treatment which is a Zagato trademark design feature since the early 1950s.

It originally arose from the need to accommodate racing helmets with a minimum impact on the aerodynamic profile. To match the bold new exterior, the working concept’s normally aspirated V12 engine has been uprated to 600 PS, along with enhanced driving dynamics.

Inside, the Vanquish Zagato Concept embodies the fine tradition of Aston Martin craftsmanship, replete with many singular touches. Herringbone carbon fibre is paired with shadow and anodized bronze and aniline leather to give the facia, vents and rotary dials a rich material quality. The Vanquish Zagato Concept is also defined by the unique ‘Z’ quilt pattern stitch used on the seat and door sections, as well as the celebrated trademark Zagato ‘Z’ embossed on headrests.

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Formula One

The Formula 1 Grand Prix de Monaco started behind the safety car in wet conditions, but was run mainly in glorious sunshine with Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton narrowly defeating Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo after an epic battle around the streets of Monte Carlo.

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hen the safety car finally pulled in to release the pack seven laps in, it was polesitter Ricciardo who stormed away, as a slow Nico Rosberg struggled with suspected glazed brakes and cost Hamilton heaps of time before Mercedes finally instructed the German to let his team mate by on the 16th lap.

Hamilton then set off after Ricciardo, but the gap only came down tenth by tenth until the Red Bull driver joined many of his rivals who had already switched from wet 74

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Pirelli tyres to intermediates as the rain eased, on the 23rd lap.

Crucially, Mercedes kept Hamilton out - a reversal of last year - as they gambled on being able to switch straight to slicks as track conditions improved. From the 24th until the 31st lap, Hamilton kept the Australian at bay, before diving in for ultrasoft slicks. Red Bull immediately appeared to have covered that by bringing Ricciardo in for supersofts. Incredibly, however, a communication issue meant the tyres weren’t

ready…

Hamilton thus kept the lead, but the fight was on.

On the 37th lap Hamilton overshot the chicane after losing time and traction behind a backmarker and Ricciardo got a run on him as they reached the exit, but Hamilton covered that - legally, as the stewards decided after an investigation - and after that the Red Bull driver never really got close enough to challenge.

The red-banded tyres looked the better bet for the 46 laps that remained after the stops,

and it appeared that Red Bull had at least chosen them correctly. But this day all three of Pirelli’s compounds had their moments - Hamilton and Ricciardo, plus the soft-shod Sergio Perez in the Force India and Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel who were also fighting tooth and claw for the final podium place, had their turns setting fastest laps. Somehow Hamilton kept his rubber alive as the gap between them ebbed and flowed. Yet Ricciardo never gave up.

At the end, as delight and relief imbued Hamilton, who

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saw his championship deficit to Rosberg slashed from 43 to 24 points with another 15 races left, Ricciardo was uncharacteristically glum, refusing Martin Brundle’s podium invitation to discuss his race in detail.

Of course it wasn’t Hamilton with whom he was angry - though he wasn’t impressed with the way his move had been rebuffed - but his own team, whom he felt had let him down and cost him potential victory for the second race in a row…

Perez was ecstatic with his podium run for Force India, which left Ferrari once again defeated by an underdog, while further back a tremendous drive by Fernando Alonso gave

McLaren a great fifth ahead of Nico Hulkenberg in the second Force India, who snatched sixth place from Rosberg exiting Rascasse on the final lap.

Max Verstappen drove like a demon for Red Bull and overtook more cars than anyone, before his third crash in two days saw him go off the road approaching Casino Square on the 34th lap.

In the constructors’ stakes, Mercedes have 188 points to Ferrari’s 121, Red Bull’s 112, Williams’ 66, Force India’s 37, Toro Rosso’s 30 and McLaren, whose 24 move them ahead of Haas with 22.

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t came after Mercedes’ Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton had dramatically collided into retirement on lap 1 in an incident which the stewards are investigating.

Verstappen, aged just 18, held off relentless pressure from Raikkonen in the closing stages, while behind them Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel did the same from the sister Red Bull of Daniel Ricciardo, until the Australian’s right-rear tyre deflated just a lap from home.

Ricciardo took fourth nonetheless, followed by Williams’ Valtteri Bottas, Toro Rosso’s Carlos Sainz and Force India’s Sergio Perez. Williams’ Felipe Massa, McLaren’s Jenson Button and Toro Rosso’s Daniil Kvyat completed the top ten.

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did it the hard way - pushed all the way

by Iceman Raikkonen from the 44th to the 66th lap. For much of that the gap between them was rarely more than a second, yet on his debut for the Milton Keynes team the teenager reigned supreme with a measured and superbly controlled drive.

As Vettel’s three-stop strategy backfired and the four-time champion complained whenever early leader and similarly three-stopping Ricciardo had the temerity to challenge him for the final podium place, Verstappen’s performance was a clear signal that the future has arrived.

Red Bull’s chances improved significantly as Hamilton was slightly slower off the line than Mercedes team mate Rosberg, enabling the German to get a run on him

round the outside of the first corner.

Hamilton rallied, and going down the short chute to Turn 4 had momentum that encouraged him to go to the right of Rosberg just as the latter was moving in that direction. Hamilton got on to the grass and spun, collecting Rosberg as his out-of-control F1 W07 Hybrid arrived almost simultaneously at Turn 4.

Mercedes’ Niki Lauda publicly condemned his world champion, but team boss Toto Wolff said it was a hard one to call.Without the Mercedes, however, the race came alive.

Red Bull and Ferrari went for three-stop strategies with Ricciardo and Vettel, twostops with Verstappen and Raikkonen.

And just as Pirelli had predicted, if two-stoppers executed things well, the three-stoppers would struggle to beat

Verstappen brushes off Monaco crash

Formula 1 Gran Premio de Espana Pirelli 2016 served up a battle royal between Red Bull and Ferrari, with Max Verstappen becoming the youngest F1 winner in history as he took an amazing victory from Kimi Raikkonen in his very first race with his new team.

Max Verstappen says he will analyse and learn from his crash-strewn performance in Monaco, but insists there is no need to dwell too heavily on the weekend as a whole.

Just a fortnight on from his spectacular maiden victory in Spain, the Dutchman suffered a difficult weekend in Monte Carlo as he crashed three times, including in qualifying and the race.

But while Verstappen says he owes Red Bull an apology, he also believes such incidents are inevitable as he gains experience while trying to fight for podiums or better with his new team.

“The weekend started off okay, but after I had a crash in qualifying it went a bit downhill,” said Verstappen, who started from the pit lane, worked his way back into the points, but then retired after going into the barriers at Massenet.

Pirelli reveal wider, faster 2017 tyres Magnussen penalised for intra-Renault clash them. Ricciardo stopped again on lap 28, Vettel on lap 29. But Verstappen covered Raikkonen and didn’t stop until lap 34, a lap before the Finn. That left Ricciardo leading Vettel, but then Sebastian stopped again on lap 37, and Daniel on lap 43, and that set up the great denouement as for the second time in the race, Verstappen became the first Dutchman ever to lead an F1 race.

Rosberg continues to lead the championship with 100 points but his seven-race winning streak is over; Hamilton drops to third on 57 behind Raikkonen on 61, as Vettel and Ricciardo share fourth on 48, ahead of Verstappen on 38 and Massa on 36.

In the constructors’ stakes, Mercedes still lead with 157, but Ferrari close with 109 to Red Bull’s 94 and Williams’s 65.

Kevin Magnussen has been handed a 10-second post-race time penalty after stewards deemed he caused a collision with Renault team mate Jolyon Palmer during Sunday’s Grand Prix at Barcelona.

The incident occured on the final lap of the Spanish race as Magnussen, on a three-stop strategy and on relatively fresh soft-compund tyres, was hounding Palmer - two-stopping and on old hards - in a fight for 13th place.

The pair made contact at Turn 13, for which the stewards blamed Magnussen.

As it happened on the final lap, the Dane had 10 seconds added on to his race time, dropping him from 14th to 15th in the final results, behind Sauber’s Felipe Nasr.

Formula One tyre suppliers Pirelli have presented their new tyres in 2017 size in Monte Carlo. As part of dramatic rule changes for next season, aimed at cutting lap times by around four seconds, tyres will be 25 percent wider than the current specification.

The front tyre, currently 245mm wide, will increase to 305mm, while the rear will grow from 325mm to 405mm. So the new sizes for slick tyres will be 305/670-13 at the front and 405/670-13 at the rear (the total diameter will go from the current 660mm to 670mm). Wheel rim diameter remains unchanged at 13 inches.

This is a significant technical change that will also have an effect on the balance and aesthetics of the cars that will compete next year.

Testing with tyres in the 2017 sizes, using cars modified to accommodate them, will start in early August, according to a programme that has been agreed with the participating teams.

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MOTOGP

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ovistar Yamaha MotoGP’s Jorge Lorenzo continued his momentum at the Autodromo del Mugello track in Mugello as he secured a brilliant victory in the Gran Premio d’Italia. His achievement marks the Yamaha Factory Racing team’s hundredth premier class win of the modern fourstroke era, that began in 2002, as well as their third consecutive first place of the 2016 season. Valentino Rossi also gave a stunning performance in the early stages of the 23-lap sprint as he battled with his teammate for the lead, until a mechanical issue on lap nine prevented him from completing the race.

The Autodromo del Mugello circuit was filled with thousands of fans who gathered to see the Movistar Yamaha MotoGP riders continue their 2016 MotoGP World Championship challenge.

Jorge Lorenzo rode his signature race, leading over the line on each lap, to take a flawless victory at the Gran Premio d’Italia. Teammate and local hero Valentino Rossi was also in contention for a strong result, but was unable to finish the race due to a technical failure.

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Lorenzo was quick to make his intentions clear and had a flying start from fifth place on the grid to take the holeshot.

With his teammate on his tail, he led across the line after the first lap, but it soon became clear his fellow Yamaha rider would not go down without a fight.

The Doctor made a pass going into turn one, but Lorenzo was not shaken and quickly regained the lead as the Italian ran wide.

With a clear track ahead the number 99 rider tried to break away, but he was unable to shake Rossi who continued to pile on the pressure, ready to seize any opportunity to pass. However the smooth Spaniard left no space for him to slip past and made sure to brake at the last possible moment every time going into turn one to keep the lead.

Lorenzo rode defensively until Rossi fell behind due to a mechanical issue and was forced to retire. This allowed the current World Champion a small breather until Marquez tapped onto the back of his YZR-M1 with ten laps to go. With five points between them in the championship, the two compatriots

battled hard for the win. The last lap saw a flurry of activity, with Lorenzo making an unexpected overtaking manoeuvre in the Scarperia corner. It didn’t stick, but Lorenzo cleverly used his experience and launched his YZR-M1 out of the last corner to steal the victory, his third of the season, as he crossed the line 0.019s ahead of Marquez.

Starting from pole position, teammate Rossi had a good start and slotted in behind Lorenzo going into turn one.

Determined not to let the Spaniard get away, Rossi briefly took the lead in the second lap of the race going into turn one, but had to hand it back when he ran wide. With the massive support from his fans cheering him on, the Doctor kept as close to Lorenzo as possible while keeping Marquez at a distance, but his race ended prematurely with 15 laps to go due to a technical issue.

Lorenzo’s 25 point score gives him a total score of 115 points, keeping him in first position in the championship standings, with a ten-point lead. He is 37 points ahead of Rossi in third place, who has scored 78 points so far this season.

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fter dominating the pace in most free practice sessions and qualifying for pole position at the Le Mans Bugatti Grand Prix race circuit, Movistar Yamaha MotoGP’s Jorge Lorenzo rode his YZR-M1 to a flawless victory at the Monster Energy Grand Prix de France to take over the lead in the championship standings.

Teammate Valentino Rossi followed up his strong win in Jerez with a brilliant race on French tarmac, crossing the finish line in second place to collect twenty vital points.

Movistar Yamaha MotoGP’s Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi repeated their 1-2 performances from Jerez at the Monster Energy Grand Prix de France, this time finishing in reversed order.

Lorenzo started the 28-lap sprint exactly as he had planned. As the lights went out he had a lightning start from pole position and took the holeshot to create 0.4s lead after the first lap. Followed by Andrea Iannone and Andrea Dovizioso, he put his head down and dropped quick laps to keep a consistent gap of little more than half a second until, with 23 laps left, it was time to break away.

With clear track in front of him and behind him, the triple premier class World Champion rode consistently fast lap times in the 1’33s to manage the gap to his pursuers that had rapidly grown to more than two seconds.

Lorenzo was in a league of his own and remained unchallenged for the rest of the race. Leading the race from start to finish,

the freshly turned 29 year old marked his birthday by securing a perfect victory, with a more than ten second margin, and to top off the celebrations he also took over the top spot in the championship standings.

Teammate Rossi brought the heat to the racing action today, fighting his way up the order from his seventh place grid position.

The Doctor had a challenging start from third row but quickly moved into sixth position before getting involved in a scrap with Pol Espargaró and Bradley Smith in the opening laps.

After muscling his way past his fellow Yamaha riders with strong but fair passes, he quickly went on to take fifth place from Aleix Espergaró after the third lap. The nine-time World Champion then set his sights on Marc Marquez and increased his pace as he closed down the 1.3s gap, posting a 1’33.293s, the fastest lap of the race.

With 20 laps to go Rossi moved up to fourth place as Iannone crashed out, which spurred him on to fight for a place on the podium. Having saved his tyres, he lined up his Spanish rival and under loud cheering from the fans he made his move in the Garage Vert corner on the next lap.

Now in his element he overtook his next target, Dovizioso, up the inside in Musée corner. Though he was unable to stretch his lead when in second place, he kept pushing his YZR-M1 to the limit until Marquez and Dovizioso got caught out in turn seven while trying to keep up with his pace. With

twelve and a half laps left to go, Rossi was no longer under pressure. Unable to close in on his teammate, who had a gap of more than 5.2s, he focused on managing his advantage over Maverick Viñales in third place and landed a second consecutive podium finish, taking the chequered flag 10.654s behind his teammate.

Lorenzo’s first place earns him 25 points, while Rossi adds 20 points to his score.

These results put the Mallorcan in the lead in the championship standings on 90 points, five points ahead of his closest rival.

Rossi stays third in the rankings.

Lorenzo launches World Champions Collection

Recent years have seen Jorge Lorenzo build quite the collection of racing memorabilia, ranging from World Championships helmets and leathers to Formula 1 race suits. The three time MotoGP™ World Champion is now about to launch his own museum in Andorra.

The building features items from legends such as Niki Lauda, Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, Fernando Alonso, Barry Sheene, Mick Doohan, Wayne Rainey, Valentino Rossi, Casey Stoner and many, many more. Aside from the impressive collection of items the museum will also have an F1 and MotoGP™ simulator to allow fans to get a taste of what it’s like.

A restaurant and store are also attached to the museum, making it a great and full day out.

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ABOUT HASHTAGS AND INFLUENCERS It has been some years since I’ve begun to hear about the demise of the media business as we know it. That’s not to gainsay the fact that publications have been closing down with the regularity of a metronome suffering from OCD. The scourge began all the way over in the developed economies – the bastions of the love affair with the printed word – where a mixture of the lower cost of online content delivery and a drop in advertising revenue lead to magazines and newspapers closing. Thankfully, television as a medium seems to be more resilient in the face of the global online tsunami, but we’re getting to the airwaves too.

The Middle East region’s problems in this department took some time coming. When I first came to Oman a refrain that I heard was “people don’t read”. Try telling that to an editor who has just changed jobs from a car magazine that printed more than 100,000 copies a month to one that was in a fledgling state. By the time we reached the stage that people were reading and our title made an impact the new refrain of “people don’t buy hard copy anymore, it’s all online” began. Fortunately for us, we’ve been online from the past eight years and continue to produce a kick ass print magazine, so we’ve even surmounted that hurdle.

So, today we live in the age of the hashtag and the influencer. Somehow, by some convoluted quirk of fate, companies and brands and the folks who steer their interface with the world have decided that these negate the need of regular media. Oh yes, many of my friends on the other side of the media-brand divide would like to tell me that it’s only incremental, but I can assure you that it’s not. I’ve been to many events now where it has become mandatory to have some folk who seem to spend all their time preening, pouting and tossing their hair before, after and during a selfie session or while they are hogging the photographer and cameraman at the event. #Ilooksosexy #Anotherbrandpaysmetobehere. For that’s what the new face of media is looking like.

These beauties with the odd car or perfume or gadget somewhere in the picture, while brand managers write out checques to get onboard the gravy train of online eyeballs.

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As you see the money moving out of traditional media to this new El Dorado, we also see a slackening of standards. For instance, I’ve always had an apathy towards carrying press releases in toto. Shorn of the self-praise and first person language, these sometimes give useful news, which I carry or else have nothing left that warrants a try. But the beauty of Instagram, Twitter and Facebook is that they’ve become the new frontier of the art of copy-paste. Let’s not even talk about snapchat – who wants to know that you’ve just finished your third coffee of the morning? In fact the standards as so pathetic that even the humble hashtag is not spared – one example I have is of someone wanting to #LighteningUp when they meant #LightingUp. I’ve been on the grumpier, fuddy-duddy side of an argument with a twenty-something who swears by snapchat and is a blogger who sees print media as having passed its sell by date. The divide isn’t purely on age – it’s also history and yes, to a certain level that of familiarity.

But no amount of arguing will make me feel any sense of equity, when you know that you are on a media event where some invitees – the bloggers and influencers – are being paid to attend while you have to make do with your ethics and an inflated sense of the sanctity of the divide between editorial and revenue. It almost makes you want to throw in your journalistic hat and join the brigade of content generators who don’t bother acquiring any in-depth knowledge about anything – because their audience doesn’t need it. And somehow that is more apt and value for money than actually trying to support and develop mainstream media.

But then, should one fight it at all? Instead let’s just Insta, Tweet or Facebook post with some choice set of hashtags – #doweneedtochange #iamaninfluencer #eveolvingmedia and I’m sure you can think of a few more.

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JUN 2016